Leo Tolstoy Biography
Leo Tolstoy is considered one of the greatest novelists of all time. He told sweeping stories of Russian history in War and Peace and focused on the confinements of society in Anna Karenina. Because of these novels, Tolstoy is praised for his realistic portrayal of life, a style that forged a new direction in storytelling. A compassionate egalitarian throughout his life, Tolstoy told stories through the perspectives of the people around him rather than writing through his own privileged experience. He even told one story, “Kholstormer,” through the thoughts of a horse. Toward the end of his life, he wrote The Kingdom of God Is Within You, which presented his ideas of pacifism. “If the world could write its own story,” one critic once said, “it would write like Tolstoy.”
Facts and Trivia
- Tolstoy lost his mother when he was only two years old and his father seven years later.
- Tolstoy was sent to law school but soon returned home. His teachers found him completely unwilling to learn.
- Tolstoy loved to gamble and as a young man often found himself in debt due to his gambling habit.
- Tolstoy rarely hung out with the writers of his time. He found them too liberal and too fascinated with Western customs.
- Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi were inspired by Tolstoy’s philosophy of nonviolence.
Biography
Leo Tolstoy, born in 1828 and passing away in 1910, remains one of the literary giants of Russian history. Through his extensive and varied works, Tolstoy explored themes like morality, spirituality, and the human condition, all while continuing to evolve his personal beliefs and philosophy. His life and literature continue to inspire and provoke thought, offering a deep dive into the complexities of 19th-century Russian society and the timeless questions of human existence.
Early Life and Influences
Born into an aristocratic family, Tolstoy spent most of his life immersed in the surroundings of his family estate near Moscow. As a young man, he led a life full of freedom and exploration, yet he soon became concerned with social justice, particularly focused on improving the lives of serfs. This new social awareness drove him to engage with various reformist activities during the 1850s.
Military and Literary Beginnings
Tolstoy's military service in the Caucasus provided rich material for his early writings. While serving, he penned his first novel, Detstvo ("Childhood"), published in 1852, which quickly gained recognition among Russian literary figures like Fyodor Dostoevsky and Ivan Turgenev. His experiences were further reflected in short stories such as "Nabeg" ("The Raid") and the Sevastopol sketches, drawing from his engagement in the Crimean War.
Exploring Themes of Morality
During this formative period, Tolstoy produced a series of short stories and novellas that explored deep moral questions and the virtues of a simple life. Works like "Dva gusara" ("Two Hussars"), "Tri smerti" ("Three Deaths"), and "Kazaki" ("The Cossacks") marked the beginning of his interest in ethical living, themes that would dominate his later writings and thought.
Personal Life and Philosophical Shifts
In 1862, Tolstoy married Sofya Andreevna Behrs, and together they raised a family of thirteen children. His personal life was deeply intertwined with his evolving philosophy, which eventually led him to relinquish rights to his works and other personal possessions by the mid-1890s. By 1901, his increasingly radical beliefs resulted in excommunication from the Russian Orthodox Church.
The Pinnacle of Literary Achievement
Tolstoy's magnum opus, Voina i mir ("War and Peace"), written over six years from 1863 to 1869, is often hailed as the greatest novel ever penned. Following this monumental work, he wrote Anna Karenina between 1875 and 1877, which is praised for its intricate structure. Tolstoy himself took pride in what he called its "architecture," likening it to an unassailable structure.
Spiritual Transformation and Later Works
The 1880s marked a significant spiritual turning point for Tolstoy, starting with the publication of Ispoved ("A Confession") in 1882, wherein he chronicled his spiritual crisis. He distanced himself from his previous works and criticized the likes of Shakespeare and Wagner for their elitist art. Embracing a new form of Christianity, he advocated for celibacy and non-resistance, writing pamphlets that articulated his radical beliefs.
Writing for the Common Folk
In his later years, Tolstoy focused on creating simple, moral tales intended for the uneducated. Stories like "Brazhe lepki, a bozhe krepko" ("Evil Allures but Good Endures") were crafted to impart ethical values. Although some critics felt these writings lacked the depth of his earlier works, they still reflected his storytelling prowess.
Dramatic Talents and Final Works
Despite shifting towards spiritual and moral themes, Tolstoy's ability to craft compelling narratives remained intact, as seen in his dramatic piece Vlast tmy ("The Power of Darkness"). His post-conversion fiction, starting with "The Death of Ivan Ilych," continued to explore profound existential questions. However, his last major novel, Voskresenie ("Resurrection"), was less well-received due to its overt moralizing, which some felt overshadowed the artistry of the narrative.
Impact and Legacy
Tolstoy's later years were marked by intense engagement in moral, theological, social, and political discourse, leading to both excommunication and censorship. Through his lifetime of work, he left behind a rich tapestry of literature and thought that continues to challenge and inspire readers around the world. His enduring legacy lies in his relentless quest to understand and portray the profound truths of human life.
Criticism by Leo Tolstoy
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