Member-only story

Leo Tolstoy's Fruits of Culture: A Masterpiece of Satirical Comedy

Chuck Mitchell

·5.6k Followers· Follow

Published in Leo Tolstoy Fruits Of Culture A Comedy In Four Acts: When You Love Someone You Love The Person As They Are And Not As You D Like Them To Be

5 min read · 3 weeks before

529 View Claps

74 Respond

Save

Listen

In the annals of Russian literature, Leo Tolstoy stands as a towering figure, renowned for his epic novels such as War and Peace and Anna Karenina. Yet, beyond his sweeping historical narratives, Tolstoy also possessed a keen eye for satire, which he wielded with biting wit in his play, Fruits of Culture.

Leo Tolstoy - Fruits of Culture, A Comedy in Four Acts: “When you love someone, you love the person as they are, and not as you'd like them to be.”

by George F. Walker

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	313 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	86 pages

Published in 1891, Fruits of Culture is a four-act comedy that mercilessly skewers the shallowness and hypocrisy of the Russian upper class. Through a cast of eccentric characters, Tolstoy exposes the absurdity of society's relentless pursuit of progress and the corrosive effects of wealth and privilege on human relationships.

A Cast of Unforgettable Characters

The play centers around an aristocratic family, the Bobrovs, who live a life of ostentatious luxury in their grand estate. At the head of the household is Prince Peter Bobrov, an indolent and intellectually bankrupt man who clings to his outdated beliefs and social status.

His wife, Princess Praskovya, is a shallow and materialistic woman who is obsessed with appearances and gossip. Their daughter, Lisa, is a naive and idealistic young woman who yearns for a more meaningful life.

Rounding out the cast are a cast of hangers-on, including a foppish artist, a pretentious poet, and a scheming count who is eager to marry Lisa for her inheritance. Each character is a caricature of a certain type of person, representing the various foibles and delusions that Tolstoy satirizes.

The Absurdity of Progress

Throughout the play, Tolstoy uses the pursuit of progress as a central target for his satire. The Bobrovs and their associates are constantly trying to outdo each other in terms of luxury and extravagance, believing that material possessions and social status are the keys to happiness.

However, Tolstoy shows that this pursuit is ultimately futile and meaningless. The characters' attempts to achieve progress only lead to further emptiness and discontent. In one particularly memorable scene, the Bobrovs host a lavish dinner party in honor of a renowned inventor who has created a new type of soup.

The guests rave over the soup's supposed miraculous properties, but Tolstoy reveals that it is nothing more than ordinary broth. The scene highlights the absurdity of society's obsession with the latest fads and inventions, which often promise more than they deliver.

The Importance of Human Connection

In contrast to the shallowness of the upper class, Tolstoy also explores the theme of human connection in Fruits of Culture. Through the character of Lisa, he shows that true happiness lies not in material possessions or social status, but in meaningful relationships.

Lisa falls in love with a young doctor who is dedicated to helping the poor and sick. Their love is pure and selfless, and it provides a stark contrast to the loveless marriages and superficial relationships that surround them.

A Timeless Satire

Over a century after its publication, Fruits of Culture remains a relevant and thought-provoking satire. Tolstoy's insights into human nature and the dangers of unchecked progress are as incisive today as they were in his own time.

Whether you are a lover of Russian literature, a fan of comedy, or simply someone who is interested in the human condition, Fruits of Culture is a must-read. It is a brilliant and timeless work that will make you laugh, think, and question the values that we hold dear.

Free Download Your Copy Today

To Free Download your copy of Fruits of Culture by Leo Tolstoy, please visit our website or your favorite bookseller. Don't miss out on this opportunity to experience one of the greatest satires ever written.

Free Download Now

Leo Tolstoy - Fruits of Culture, A Comedy in Four Acts: “When you love someone, you love the person as they are, and not as you'd like them to be.”

by George F. Walker

5 out of 5