Too Dear! by Leo Tolstoy
The novel revolves around the lives of two aristocratic families, the Bezukhovs and the Rostovs, during the Napoleonic Wars. The story centers on Pierre Bezukhov, a socially awkward but introspective young man who struggles with his own identity and purpose in life. Pierre's journey is intertwined with that of Prince Andrei Bolkonsky, a proud and ambitious military officer who fights in the war against Napoleon. Through their experiences, the novel explores themes of love, family, loyalty, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. As the story unfolds, Pierre becomes increasingly disillusioned with the social conventions and moral hypocrisy of his aristocratic circle, while Prince Andrei grapples with the harsh realities of war and the loss of his own sense of purpose.
By Leo Tolstoy · Genre: Satire, Political Fiction, Social Commentary · 2,183 words
First lines
(Tolstoy's adaptation of a story by Guy de Maupassant.)
Near the borders of France and Italy, on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea, lies a tiny little kingdom called Monaco. Many a small country town can boast more inhabitants than this kingdom, for there are only about seven thousand of them all told, and if all the land in the kingdom were divided there would not be an acre for each inhabitant. But in this toy kingdom there is a real kinglet; and he has a palace, and courtiers, and ministers, and a bishop, and generals, and an army.
What this Textopian page supports
Too Dear! is listed on Textopian as a short story by Leo Tolstoy, dated Date unknown.
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: Date unknown
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Political Fiction, Social Commentary, Tragicomedy, Philosophical Fiction
- Length: 2,183 words
- Structure: 1 section, 21 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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- Work identity for Too Dear! by Leo Tolstoy
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Too Dear!?
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Genres
- Satire — The narrative critiques the absurdities of governance and the moral dilemmas faced by those in power.
- Political Fiction — The story explores themes of authority, justice, and the implications of state decisions on individual lives.
- Social Commentary — It reflects on societal values, particularly regarding justice and the cost of maintaining power.
- Tragicomedy — The blend of tragic circumstances with humorous outcomes highlights the irony in the characters' decisions.
Tags
Philosophical Fiction · Psychological Insight · Social Commentary · Russian Literature · 19th Century Novel · Realism · Existential Crisis · Moral Ambiguity · Human Nature · Societal Critique · Family Dynamics · Love and Relationships