Is there symbolism in Vronsky going bald in Anna Karenina?

Question

As I am reading Anna Karinina I notice how as the story continues Vronsky is going bald. As characters meet him it is noted how he tries to hid his increasing baldness. For instance when Dolly goes to Vronsky's estate it is stated that he has taken to combing his hair in a way that hides his bald patch. Characters before and after this also note his slowly increasing baldness and how he tries to hide this. Am I right in thinking that his state of baldness may be a way of showing how the affair and love between Anna and Vronsky is slowly growing old and the way both are trying to hide this from themselves?

Answer 1

I haven't read Anna Karenina in some years ... but I think there is definitely something to Vronsky's baldness, as Tolstoy would probably not keep mentioning it if he didn't want to make a point. A couple of ideas spring to mind -- having a full head of hair is obviously a sign of youth, strength, and virility, as the frequent mention of "hairy" heads and bodies in classical literature (e.g., the works of Homer) attest. As the novel progresses, and Vronsky grows older, the loss of hair serves as a symbol of his waning youth and good looks. His attempts to cover up that baldness suggest that he is vain and self-conscious, which accords with his characterization, as I recall it from the novel.

In short, then, yes, I think the baldness is a sign of Vronsky's character.