The Kreutzer Sonata and Other Stories

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

689

Title

The Kreutzer Sonata and Other Stories

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Leo Tolstoy's collection features the fiery, anti-marriage manifesto of the narrator in 'The Kreutzer Sonata,' alongside the fable of 'Ivan the Fool.' The text explores themes of hypocrisy, religious duty, and the corruption of modern society through a stark, moralistic tone.

Summary up to 500 words

In "The Kreutzer Sonata and Other Stories," Leo Tolstoy presents a searing critique of modern society through two contrasting narratives. The collection opens with the narrator of "The Kreutzer Sonata," a man who recounts the murder of his wife, blaming her beauty and the corrupt institution of marriage for his downfall. He argues that contemporary courtship is a hypocritical hunt where women are treated as merchandise rather than equals. The narrator condemns the "honeymoon" as a period of shame and ennui, asserting that sexual relations should be reserved strictly for procreation within a chaste, family-oriented life. He advocates for abstinence, physical labor, and a rejection of materialism, viewing marriage as a fall from Christian ideals of love for God and neighbor. He contends that the current system reduces women to objects of sensuality while simultaneously oppressing them, creating a dangerous dynamic that corrupts men and enslaves women. In "Ivan the Fool," Tolstoy offers a contrasting narrative set within a peasant family. The wise, hardworking son Ivan remains at home to work the farm, while his brothers, Simeon and Tarras, seek wealth and status away from the land. The story shifts to a subplot involving the family's serfs and their cruel superintendent, Michael. The peasants debate whether to kill the unjust overseer; while some, led by Vasili, advocate for violence, the pacifist Peter Mikhayeff argues that killing is a sin that stains the soul. Despite the Easter holiday, Michael orders the serfs to plough. His wife begs him to let them rest, but he refuses, even mocking her pleas. The narrative concludes with the superintendent's accidental death when his horse, frightened by pigs, throws him against a fence. The serfs realize that God's power is found in goodness rather than evil, highlighting the tension between justice and mercy. Through these stories, Tolstoy explores themes of hypocrisy, the corruption of human instincts, and the necessity of moral integrity over societal convention.

LLM editorial rating

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Categories

• Short Stories
• Russia -- Social life and customs -- Fiction
• Murder -- Fiction
• Jealousy -- Fiction
• Tolstoy, Leo, graf, 1828-1910 -- Translations into English