Youth by Leo Tolstoy (1886)

Name: Youth
Author: Leo Tolstoy

The novel revolves around the lives of three generations of a Russian aristocratic family, exploring themes of morality, free will, and the search for meaning in life. The story begins with Nikolai Petrovich, a wealthy landowner who struggles to reconcile his desire for pleasure and luxury with his sense of duty and responsibility. His son, Arkady, is a young man torn between his own desires and the expectations placed upon him by society. As the novel progresses, the focus shifts to Arkady's friend, Bazarov, a charismatic and nihilistic young intellectual who embodies the spirit of revolutionary change. Through Bazarov's character, Tolstoy critiques the excesses of modernity and the superficiality of urban life. Meanwhile, Nikolai's daughter, Kitty, is introduced as a beautiful and innocent young woman struggling to find her place in society. Her marriage to Levin, a introspective and idealistic landowner, serves as a counterpoint to the more cynical and worldly characters that surround them. Throughout the novel, Tolstoy explores themes of love, family, and social class, raising questions about the nature of happiness and fulfillment in life. Ultimately, the novel presents a nuanced and complex portrait of Russian society at the turn of the 20th century, one that is both critically engaged with the social and cultural issues of its time and deeply concerned with the human condition.

By Leo Tolstoy · First published 1886 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Philosophical Fiction · 45 chapters · 76,636 words

First lines

I have said that my friendship with Dimitri opened up for me a new view of my life and of its aim and relations. The essence of that view lay in the conviction that the destiny of man is to strive for moral improvement, and that such improvement is at once easy, possible, and lasting. Hitherto, however, I had found pleasure only in the new ideas which I discovered to arise from that conviction, and in the forming of brilliant plans for a moral, active future, while all the time my life had been continuing along its old petty, muddled, pleasure-seeking course, and the same virtuous thoughts which I and my adored friend Dimitri ("my own marvellous Mitia," as I used to call him to myself in a whisper) had been wont to exchange with one another still pleased my intellect, but left my sensibility untouched. Nevertheless there came a moment when those thoughts swept into my head with a sudden freshness and force of moral revelation which left me aghast at the amount of time which I had been wasting, and made me feel as though I must at once -- that very second -- apply those thoughts to life, with the firm intention of never again changing them.

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Youth is listed on Textopian as a novel by Leo Tolstoy, dated 1886 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Leo Tolstoy
Date: 1886 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Philosophical Fiction, Realism, Historical Fiction
Length: 76,636 words
Structure: 45 chapters, 641 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes of youth, identity, and moral development through rich character development and introspective narrative.
Coming-of-Age — The central focus is on the protagonist's transition from adolescence to adulthood, highlighting personal growth and self-discovery.
Philosophical Fiction — The narrative delves into existential questions and moral dilemmas faced by the young protagonist, prompting reflection on life and values.
Realism — The depiction of everyday life and authentic experiences of youth aligns with the principles of realism, emphasizing relatable and believable scenarios.