The story revolves around a young nobleman who returns to his family's estate after being away for several years. He brings with him a new wife and a sense of disillusionment with the aristocracy. The novel explores themes of morality, class, and the decline of the nobility through the characters' interactions and relationships. The protagonist's wife is portrayed as a symbol of the changing values of society, while his family represents the old aristocratic order. As the story unfolds, tensions rise between these two groups, leading to a tragic confrontation that ultimately results in three deaths. Through this narrative, Tolstoy critiques the social conventions and moral decay of the Russian nobility during the 19th century. The novel is a commentary on the decline of traditional values and the emergence of new social norms.
By Leo Tolstoy · First published 1852 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Realism · 4 chapters