Tolstoy on Shakespeare

Name: Tolstoy on Shakespeare
Author: Leo Tolstoy

The book is a critique of Shakespeare's works from a Christian perspective. Tolstoy argues that Shakespeare's plays are morally corrupt and promote immorality. He claims that the characters in Shakespeare's plays are flawed and often engage in sinful behavior, which he believes is not conducive to moral development. Tolstoy also criticizes Shakespeare's use of violence and bloodshed as a means of resolving conflicts, arguing that it promotes a culture of violence and aggression. He suggests that Shakespeare's plays are a reflection of the societal ills of his time, including the corrupting influence of wealth and power. The book is divided into several sections, each of which examines a different aspect of Shakespeare's works from a Christian perspective. Tolstoy argues that true art should be morally uplifting and promote spiritual growth, rather than simply entertaining or titillating the audience. Tolstoy concludes by arguing that Shakespeare's plays are not truly great literature, but rather a reflection of the moral decay of society. He suggests that readers would be better off reading Christian texts, such as the Bible, for true moral guidance and inspiration.

By Leo Tolstoy · First published 1906 · Genre: Literary Criticism, Philosophy, Drama · 10 chapters · 41,272 words

First lines

Mr. Crosby's article[1] on Shakespeare's attitude toward the working classes suggested to me the idea of also expressing my own long-established opinion about the works of Shakespeare, in direct opposition, as it is, to that established in all the whole European world. Calling to mind all the struggle of doubt and self-deceit, -- efforts to attune myself to Shakespeare -- which I went through owing to my complete disagreement with this universal adulation, and, presuming that many have experienced and are experiencing the same, I think that it may not be unprofitable to express definitely and frankly this view of mine, opposed to that of the majority, and the more so as the conclusions to which I came, when examining the causes of my disagreement with the universally established opinion, are, it seems to me, not without interest and significance.

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Tolstoy on Shakespeare is listed on Textopian as an essay by Leo Tolstoy, dated 1906 CE.

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Work type: Essay
Author: Leo Tolstoy
Date: 1906 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Criticism, Philosophy, Drama, Biography, Essays
Length: 41,272 words
Structure: 10 chapters, 423 paragraphs
Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)

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Similar titles

Genres

Literary Criticism — The work primarily analyzes and critiques the literary merits and themes of Shakespeare's plays.
Philosophy — It explores philosophical themes related to art, morality, and the human condition as reflected in Shakespeare's works.
Drama — While not a play itself, it discusses dramatic elements and the nature of drama in Shakespeare's writing.
Biography — Includes biographical elements regarding Shakespeare's life and the context of his works.