Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) was a Russian novelist deeply influenced by his aristocratic upbringing, pacifism, and spiritual quest, contributing to his critical view of Russian society. Living during the tumultuous reigns of Tsars Nicholas I and Alexander II, Tolstoy witnessed Serfdom's abolition and the struggle for Russian modernization. "Anna Karenina," serialized from 1875 to 1877, and published in book Form in 1878, emerged in a society grappling with the clash between traditional Values and Western influences. Initially controversial yet acclaimed, the novel captivated readers with its Exploration of Love, Family, and moral dilemmas against the backdrop of rapid societal changes. Over Time, it has been hailed as a masterpiece of realist Fiction, profoundly influencing existentialist Thought and psychoanalytic Theory, while resonating across diverse cultures and artistic disciplines.
Guiding Question
Does love justify the destruction of one's life?