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Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

Leo Tolstoy's 1877 novel Anna Karenina follows the affair between the married Anna Karenina and the bachelor Count Vronsky. Set in late 19th century Russian high society, the novel examines themes of morality, marriage, desire, and the expectations of social norms. It contrasts Anna's passionate but tragic affair with the more deliberate decisions of other characters. Though over 800 pages, Anna Karenina continues to captivate readers with its complex characters and insightful observations of the human condition that remain relevant today.

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188 views2 pages

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

Leo Tolstoy's 1877 novel Anna Karenina follows the affair between the married Anna Karenina and the bachelor Count Vronsky. Set in late 19th century Russian high society, the novel examines themes of morality, marriage, desire, and the expectations of social norms. It contrasts Anna's passionate but tragic affair with the more deliberate decisions of other characters. Though over 800 pages, Anna Karenina continues to captivate readers with its complex characters and insightful observations of the human condition that remain relevant today.

Uploaded by

shekinahsharon56
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

Submitted by: Shekinah Sharon Lall 2338837

Tolstoy, L(1877) Anna Karenina. Penguin Classics.


Leo Tolstoy's showstopper, "Anna Karenina," distributed in 1877, is a convincing
investigation of Russian culture and the human condition. A social commentary,
family-drama, and tragedy all in one. Many commentators believe that Tolstoy's approach in
Anna Karenina is transitional, bridging the realist and modernist novel genres.

Acclaimed by many as the world's greatest novel, Anna Karenina provides a vast panorama
of contemporary life in Russia and of humanity in general. In it Tolstoy uses his intense
imaginative insight to create some of the most memorable characters through a tapestry of
intertwined plotlines in all of literature. Anna is a sophisticated woman, the main protagonist,
confined in the social web of Russian Aristocracy, who abandons her empty existence as the
wife of Karenin and turns to Count Vronsky to fulfil her passionate nature - and deal with the
subsequent social criticism. Levin is a reflection of Tolstoy himself, often expressing the
author's own views and convictions Tolstoy creates an intricate web of moral challenges and
human emotions that offers deep insights into the human psyche. The contrast between
Anna's rash decisions and the more deliberate ones made by other characters highlights the
prevailing social norms and expectations at the period. A complex novel in eight parts, with
more than a dozen major characters, Anna Karenina is spread over more than 800 pages
typically contained in two volumes. It deals with themes of betrayal, faith, family, marriage,
Imperial Russian society, desire, and rural vs. city life. The story centres on an extramarital
affair between Anna and dashing cavalry officer Count Alexei Kirillovich Vronsky that
scandalises the social circles of Saint Petersburg and forces the young lovers to flee to Italy in
a search of happiness, but after they return to Russia, their lives further unravel.

Rich and descriptive, Tolstoy's work creates realistic portrayals of the characters and their
inner conflicts. He deftly weaves together various storylines, portraying a spectrum of
Russian society, including the aristocracy and peasantry, while offering a critique of the
prevailing economic status structure.

Even in the 21st century, the novel's examination of issues like love, morality, and the search
for purpose in life is still relevant. Readers are prompted to think critically by Tolstoy's astute
observations and philosophical reflections, which make them consider their own lives and
societal expectations.In Anna Karenina, Tolstoy takes confident controversial initiatives,
many of which would be disapproved of today by the defenders of literary convention. He
gives us brief glimpses into the thoughts of several individuals, frequently inside the same
brief chapter. We penetrate the awareness of a dog not just once, but twice. The narrator,
Tolstoy, leaves the narrative to reveal information that the characters are unable to know. He
engages in what appear to be excessively long digressions, including extensive chapters
discussing peasant life, social reform, and farming techniques. There are hunting events that
span days of diegetic time. Tolstoy engages in all of these actions not out of ignorance but
rather because he is a superb author with great confidence and a commanding style.
In conclusion, "Anna Karenina" is a classic that has captivated readers for centuries thanks to
its complexity, depth, and enduring relevance. Anna Karenina is not just a book, it is a
mystical, spiritual, exhilarating experience. Each event of this classic is evocatively brought
out on paper. Each Russian character is addressed in a certain respectful manner. Each event's
description creates a rhythmic site.

Horse races, hunting, dine and dance, election, farming, childbirth, country life, city life is
being mentioned with the wholesome authenticity of Russian culture and make this book
truly a must-have treasure. Waltz, ballroom's melodious soulful narration fills the air with
euphoria.
Anyone looking to gain a better understanding of human nature should read this book
because of Tolstoy's skill as a storyteller and his acute awareness of human nature.

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