Leo Tolstoy, a Russian nobleman, transformed from a privileged youth to a literary giant with works like 'War and Peace' and 'Anna Karenina'. His later years were marked by a spiritual crisis, leading to a radical Christian philosophy and nonviolent resistance advocacy, impacting figures like Gandhi.
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Tolstoy's early years were marked by the death of his mother at a young age and the passing of his father when he was nine
Home Education
Tolstoy received his initial education at home under French and German tutors
University Education
Tolstoy attended Kazan University at the age of 16 but left without completing his degree due to dissatisfaction with the formal education system
Tolstoy joined the army and served during the Crimean War, which greatly influenced his pacifist views
In 1862, Tolstoy married Sofya Andreyevna Bers and had 13 children, with her invaluable assistance in his writing career
War and Peace
Tolstoy's most acclaimed novel, "War and Peace," captures the essence of Russian society during the Napoleonic era through multiple intertwined families
Anna Karenina
"Anna Karenina," serialized from 1873 to 1877, explores love, morality, and social pressures in 19th-century Russia, showcasing Tolstoy's observational skills and psychological depth
Tolstoy underwent a moral and spiritual crisis, leading him to adopt a radical Christian philosophy and criticize his earlier works
Essays on Religion and Ethics
Tolstoy's essays on religion, ethics, and nonviolent resistance were as influential as his novels
Critique of Social Institutions
Tolstoy's later works, such as "Resurrection," scrutinize the injustices of the Russian legal system and the corruption within the Orthodox Church
Tolstoy advocated for land reform and the establishment of schools for Russia's peasant population
Tolstoy's narrative style is renowned for its realism and psychological insight
Tolstoy's characters are complex and embody the diverse aspects of human nature, making his work relevant to a global audience
Tolstoy's literary legacy continues to inspire and challenge readers, with his works resonating worldwide and influencing figures such as Mahatma Gandhi
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The renowned author ______ was born in the year ______ into a noble family at their estate in the ______ Province of Russia.
Leo Tolstoy
1828
Tula
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Tolstoy's military service
Served in Crimean War; influenced his pacifist views.
02
Tolstoy's European travels impact
Shaped ideologies; exposed to moral and educational philosophies.
