3 Review(s)

The title story, "The Kreutzer Sonata," explores themes of jealousy, love, and the destructive nature of sexual desire within the context of a marriage. The narrative is presented as the confession of the main character, Pozdnyshev, who becomes increasingly consumed by irrational jealousy and believes that his wife and her male friend are having an affair. The story delves into the darker aspects of human relationships and has been interpreted as a critique of the institution of marriage and the sexual mores of Tolstoy's time.Other stories in the collection include:"The Devil" ("Дьявол") – A story in which a man encounters the devil while traveling and engages in a philosophical and theological discussion with him."Father Sergius" ("Отец Сергий") – The story of a nobleman, Prince Stepan Kasatsky, who becomes a monk and strives for spiritual purity while facing various temptations and challenges."The Forged Coupon" ("Подделка купона") – A moral tale that explores the consequences of a small act of dishonesty and its far-reaching impact on the lives of multiple individuals."After the Dance" ("После бала") – A story about the fleeting nature of youthful passion and the regrets that can follow.These stories reflect Tolstoy's exploration of moral and philosophical themes, often grounded in his own evolving beliefs about life, morality, and spirituality. Tolstoy's writing is characterized by its depth, psychological insight, and keen observation of human behavior.