Leo Tolstoy – War and Peace (PDF)

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Lufta dhe Paqja nga Leo Tolstoy, në anglisht – një kryevepër monumentale e letërsisë…

Summary by AI:

War and Peace is a monumental 1869 masterpiece by Leo Tolstoy that chronicles Russian society during the Napoleonic Wars. At over 1,200 pages, it is one of the longest and most celebrated novels in world literature.

Key Facts and Themes
Scope and Structure: The novel spans from 1805 to 1820, detailing the 1812 French invasion of Russia and its aftermath. It is divided into four volumes and includes two epilogues that delve into historical and philosophical essays.
The “Three Pillars”: The narrative centers on three primary characters:
Pierre Bezukhov: An awkward, idealistic illegitimate son who inherits a massive fortune and searches for spiritual meaning.
Prince Andrei Bolkonsky: A cynical, disillusioned military officer seeking glory who undergoes a profound transformation after a near-death experience.
Natasha Rostova: A vivacious, enchanting young woman who matures through personal trials, loss, and the chaos of war.
Philosophy of History: Tolstoy famously rejects the “Great Man” theory, arguing that history is shaped by millions of small, random actions of ordinary people rather than the singular will of leaders like Napoleon.
The Concept of “Mir”: The Russian title Voyna i mir uses a word with multiple meanings—mir can mean “peace,” “society,” or “the world,” all of which Tolstoy explores throughout the text.

Notable Features
Realism: Tolstoy used his own experiences from the Crimean War to write incredibly vivid, “cinematic” battle scenes.
The Cast: The book features nearly 600 characters, including real historical figures like Tsar Alexander I and Napoleon Bonaparte.
Language: While primarily in Russian, significant portions (especially in the beginning) are in French to represent the artifice of the Russian aristocracy at the time.

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