The Sun's Heat by Leo Tolstoy (1872)
This novel explores the lives of two aristocratic families and their struggles with morality, family dynamics, and social class during a period of significant change in Russia. The story revolves around the relationships between the characters, particularly the complex bond between a father and his children, as they navigate love, loyalty, and personal growth amidst societal pressures.
By Leo Tolstoy · First published 1872 · Genre: Philosophical, Nature Writing, Essay · 1,008 words
First lines
Go out in the winter on a calm, frosty day into the field, or into the woods, and look about you and listen: all around you is snow, the rivers are frozen, dry grass blades stick out of the grass, the trees are bare -- nothing is moving.
Look in the summer: the rivers are running and rippling, in every puddle the frogs croak and plunge in; the birds fly from place to place, and whistle, and sing; the flies and the gnats whirl around and buzz; the trees and the grass grow and wave to and fro.
What this Textopian page supports
The Sun's Heat is listed on Textopian as a short story by Leo Tolstoy, dated 1872 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: 1872 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Philosophical, Nature Writing, Essay, Didactic, Symbolic
- Length: 1,008 words
- Structure: 1 section, 20 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Sun's Heat 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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Similar titles
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- The Snowstorm by Leo Tolstoy
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- The Bird Cherry by Leo Tolstoy
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- Bulka by Leo Tolstoy
Genres
- Philosophical — The text explores fundamental concepts of heat, motion, and the interconnectedness of nature, prompting deep reflection on existence.
- Nature Writing — The vivid descriptions of seasonal changes and natural phenomena emphasize the beauty and dynamics of the natural world.
- Essay — The work presents a structured argument about the role of the sun in life and motion, characteristic of essayistic writing.
- Didactic — The text aims to educate readers about the importance of the sun and heat in sustaining life and facilitating motion.
Tags
Philosophical Fiction · Russian Literature · 19th Century Novel · Realism · Psychological Insight · Social Commentary · Family Drama · Marriage · Love · Class Conflict · Morality · Existential Crisis