Though often overshadowed by his magisterial novels, Tolstoy’s short works helped solidify his reputation as one of the greatest writers of all time. This course draws on stories that span Tolstoy’s prodigious literary career, observing the shifting sociopolitical landscape in which he wrote and noting his changing views on his role as a writer. The instructor uses Tolstoy’s Short Fiction: The Second Norton Critical Edition, but feel free to rely on editions of the stories you may already own.

NOTE: Please come prepared to discuss “Prisoner of the Caucasus” (1872) at our first meeting.