Boyhood - Leo Tolstoy

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Résumé :
'Boyhood' is the second part of Leo Tolstoy's autobiographical trilogy. First time, it was published in a Russian journal in 1854. Narrative of this book is largely based on Tolstoy's own early struggling life. Here, Tolstoy depicts that transition from childhood to boyhood is sudden and stormy. By the character of Nicholai, author tells that it is very difficult for a boy to face the challenges of life, without his mother. It covers the Nicholai's span of life from the age of 14 to 18 years. In his narratives author describes various features of a boy's development, his attraction towards female, his struggle of life and ideas regarding friendship, humanity, freedom and respect. He also shows the hardship of service class and master and workers relations, in the Russian society, during that period. By the time Nicholai not only gains his understanding and individuality, he also gives recognition to the individuality of villagers and servants, leaving behind their identity as serfs. Although, his writing depicts about particular time, place and culture. But Tolstoy highlights the universal vision of youngsters that 'they are lonely and no one cares for them. Everyone shows disagreement with them.'...

Biographie:
Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) was a Russian author and philosopher, celebrated as one of history's greatest literary figures. Born into an aristocratic family, he faced early personal losses, including the deaths of his parents. Tolstoy's literary journey began with the acclaimed semi-autobiographical trilogy Childhood, Boyhood, and Youth (1852-1856), and his experiences in the Crimean War inspired the Sevastopol Sketches (1855), which vividly portrayed the realities of conflict.His masterpieces, War and Peace (1869) and Anna Karenina (1878), are renowned for their sweeping narratives and psychological depth. War and Peace offers a panoramic view of Russian society during the Napoleonic Wars, while Anna Karenina examines themes of love, family, and societal expectations. Tolstoy also penned influential shorter works, including The Death of Ivan Ilyich (1886) and Hadji Murad (1912), which explore profound moral and existential dilemmas.In the 1870s, Tolstoy underwent a spiritual transformation, embracing Christian anarchism and pacifism. Works like Confession (1882) and The Kingdom of God Is Within You (1894) reflect his belief in nonviolence, simplicity, and love, rejecting institutional religion and state authority. These ideas influenced global figures such as Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., solidifying Tolstoy's legacy as a literary genius and a transformative thinker....

Sommaire:
Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) was a Russian author and philosopher, celebrated as one of history's greatest literary figures. Born into an aristocratic family, he faced early personal losses, including the deaths of his parents. Tolstoy's literary journey began with the acclaimed semi-autobiographical trilogy Childhood, Boyhood, and Youth (1852-1856), and his experiences in the Crimean War inspired the Sevastopol Sketches (1855), which vividly portrayed the realities of conflict.His masterpieces, War and Peace (1869) and Anna Karenina (1878), are renowned for their sweeping narratives and psychological depth. War and Peace offers a panoramic view of Russian society during the Napoleonic Wars, while Anna Karenina examines themes of love, family, and societal expectations. Tolstoy also penned influential shorter works, including The Death of Ivan Ilyich (1886) and Hadji Murad (1912), which explore profound moral and existential dilemmas.In the 1870s, Tolstoy underwent a spiritual transformation, embracing Christian anarchism and pacifism. Works like Confession (1882) and The Kingdom of God Is Within You (1894) reflect his belief in nonviolence, simplicity, and love, rejecting institutional religion and state authority. These ideas influenced global figures such as Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., solidifying Tolstoy's legacy as a literary genius and a transformative thinker....