What important social theme does "Anna Karenina" address?

"Anna Karenina" by Leo Tolstoy explores the tragedy of marital infidelity as one of its central themes. The novel vividly depicts the consequences of Anna's affair with Count Vronsky, highlighting the emotional turmoil and societal repercussions that arise from her desire for a passionate love that defies the constraints of her marriage. Through Anna's experiences, Tolstoy examines the destructive impact of infidelity not only on the individuals directly involved but also on their families and society as a whole. The narrative illustrates the moral conflicts and societal judgments faced by those who stray from conventional marital norms, making the theme of infidelity both a personal and social tragedy.

While the other choices present valid themes that can be explored in literature, they do not hold the same significance in "Anna Karenina" as the exploration of marital infidelity. The significance of friendship and the joys of motherhood, while present, do not capture the overarching narrative focus or the critical examination of societal norms and personal despair that the theme of infidelity provides in this particular work. The quest for knowledge, though relevant in various literary contexts, is not a primary concern in this novel, where emotional and relational dynamics take precedence. Thus, the exploration of marital infidelity stands out as the key social