Polikushka by Leo Tolstoy (1886)
The story revolves around the life of a young peasant woman who marries into a wealthy family and becomes a servant. She struggles with her new role and the expectations placed upon her, ultimately leading to a tragic confrontation with her mistress. The narrative explores themes of class, morality, and the consequences of one's actions.
By Leo Tolstoy · First published 1886 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Tragedy · 6 chapters · 7,484 words
First lines
Polikey was a court man-one of the staff of servants belonging to the court household of a _boyarinia_ (lady of the nobility).
He held a very insignificant position on the estate, and lived in a rather poor, small house with his wife and children.
What this Textopian page supports
Polikushka is listed on Textopian as a short story by Leo Tolstoy, dated 1886 CE.
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: 1886 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Tragedy, Realism, Psychological Fiction
- Length: 7,484 words
- Structure: 6 chapters, 138 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Polikushka by Leo Tolstoy
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Polikushka?
- How does this short story by Leo Tolstoy fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Peasants by Anton Chekhov
- Alyosha The Pot by Leo Tolstoy
- The Country Doctor by Honore De Balzac
- Duchoux by Guy De Maupassant
- The Trousseau by Anton Chekhov
- Father Goriot by Honore De Balzac
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes of morality, social status, and human nature through character-driven narratives.
- Social Commentary — It critiques the societal norms and conditions of the peasantry and the court system in Russia.
- Tragedy — The protagonist's downfall is marked by personal flaws and societal pressures, leading to a tragic conclusion.
- Realism — The depiction of everyday life, struggles, and the psychological depth of characters reflects realistic portrayals of society.
Tags
Russian Literature · Short Story · Social Commentary · Class Struggle · Servant Class · Morality Tale · Folklore · Satire · Critique of Society · Realism · Psychological Insight · Character Study