The Awakening by Leo Tolstoy (1899)

Name: The Awakening
Author: Leo Tolstoy

The novel revolves around a woman's struggle for individuality and autonomy in a society that values conformity. The protagonist, a wife and mother, undergoes a transformation from a passive to an active participant in her life, seeking personal fulfillment and independence. As she navigates the complexities of marriage, family, and societal expectations, she begins to question the norms and conventions that have governed her existence. Her journey is marked by moments of introspection, self-discovery, and rebellion against the constraints imposed upon her. Through her experiences, the novel explores themes of identity, morality, and the human condition, raising questions about the nature of reality, truth, and the search for meaning in life.

By Leo Tolstoy · First published 1899 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Feminist Literature · 60 chapters · 130,516 words

First lines

All the efforts of several hundred thousand people, crowded in a small space, to disfigure the land on which they lived; all the stone they covered it with to keep it barren; how so diligently every sprouting blade of grass was removed; all the smoke of coal and naphtha; all the cutting down of trees and driving off of cattle could not shut out the spring, even from the city. The sun was shedding its light; the grass, revivified, was blooming forth, where it was left uncut, not only on the greenswards of the boulevard, but between the flag-stones, and the birches, poplars and wild-berry trees were unfolding their viscous leaves; the limes were unfolding their buds; the daws, sparrows and pigeons were joyfully making their customary nests, and the flies were buzzing on the sun-warmed walls. Plants, birds, insects and children were equally joyful. Only men -- grown-up men -- continued cheating and tormenting themselves and each other. People saw nothing holy in this spring morning, in this beauty of God's world -- a gift to all living creatures -- inclining to peace, good-will and love, but worshiped their own inventions for imposing their will on each other.

What this Textopian page supports

The Awakening is listed on Textopian as a novel by Leo Tolstoy, dated 1899 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Leo Tolstoy
Date: 1899 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Feminist Literature, Realism, Philosophical Fiction
Length: 130,516 words
Structure: 92 chapters, 2,793 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The work explores complex characters and themes, focusing on personal and societal issues.
Psychological Fiction — It delves into the inner thoughts and emotional struggles of the protagonist.
Feminist Literature — The narrative addresses women's roles and challenges in society.
Realism — The depiction of everyday life and social norms reflects realistic settings and situations.