- After three months of marriage, Levin realizes that the ideal of marriage is different from its actuality.
- Prior to his marriage, Levin had always looked at other couples' quarrels contemptuously, believing that family life should be nothing but love-making and happiness.
- Levin is amazed at all the work that Kitty throws into the business of running a household—redecorating rooms, hiring domestic staff, arranging furniture, and so on.
- Kitty butts heads with Miss Agatha over household management.
- Kitty is getting used to being mistress of her own household, and being able to order exactly the things she wants for the home.
- Levin is amazed at their petty quarrels. Their first quarrel occurred when Levin was a half-hour late. Kitty accused him of loving only himself and not her.
- In quarreling, Levin realizes that to hurt Kitty is to hurt himself.
- They argue frequently; this first period of their marriage is the most painful.