Búlka by Leo Tolstoy
The novel revolves around the life of a young nobleman who becomes disillusioned with his aristocratic upbringing and sets out to experience life among the common people. He adopts a peasant identity and lives among them, learning about their struggles and hardships. Through this journey, he gains a deeper understanding of the social and economic realities of rural Russia during the 19th century.
By Leo Tolstoy · Genre: Fiction, Animal Literature, Short Story · 449 words
First lines
I had a small bulldog. He was called Búlka. He was black; only the tips of his front feet were white. All bulldogs have their lower jaws longer than the upper, and the upper teeth come down behind the nether teeth, but Búlka's lower jaw protruded so much that I could put my finger between the two rows of teeth. His face was broad, his eyes large, black, and sparkling; and his teeth and incisors stood out prominently. He was as black as a negro. He was gentle and did not bite, but he was strong and stubborn. If he took hold of a thing, he clenched his teeth and clung to it like a rag, and it was not possible to tear him off, any more than as though he were a lobster.
What this Textopian page supports
Búlka is listed on Textopian as a short story by Leo Tolstoy, dated Date unknown.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Leo Tolstoy
- Date: Date unknown
- Language: English
- Genres: Fiction, Animal Literature, Short Story, Realism, Adventure
- Length: 449 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Búlka by Leo Tolstoy
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Búlka?
- How does this short story by Leo Tolstoy fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Fiction — The narrative is a fictional account centered around the life and experiences of a bulldog.
- Animal Literature — The story focuses on the character and behavior of a dog, exploring themes of loyalty and companionship.
- Short Story — The work is concise and presents a complete narrative within a limited word count.
- Realism — The depiction of the bulldog's characteristics and actions reflects a realistic portrayal of animals and their behaviors.
Tags
Russian Literature · Philosophical Fiction · Psychological Insight · Existential Crisis · Social Commentary · Realism · 19th Century Novel · Family Drama · Marriage · Love · Morality · Ethics