The Cause of it All by graf Leo Tolstoy

"The Cause of it All" by graf Leo Tolstoy is a play in two acts written in the late 19th century. The work explores themes surrounding the impacts of alcohol and societal struggles within a peasant family setting. The play primarily delves into the effects of drinking on relationships and family dynamics, particularly examining how it affects the central character Michael and his interactions with his family and a wandering tramp. In this poignant yet revealing narrative, we are introduced to Akulína, an elderly matriarch, her son Michael, who struggles with alcohol addiction, and Martha, Michael's overburdened wife. As we observe the tension within their household, it becomes evident that Michael’s drinking fuels his aggression and contributes to strife in family relations. A significant event unfolds when a tramp is accused of theft after a night of staying with the family, highlighting social injustice and contributing to Michael's conflict with his wife. The play ultimately captures the dire circumstances faced by lower-class individuals and emphasizes the broader implications of substance abuse, questioning personal responsibility versus societal influences. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Download for free

For your e-reader or reading app — Kindle, Kobo, Apple Books, Calibre etc.

Other formats & older devices

About this eBook

Author Tolstoy, Leo, graf, 1828-1910
Translator Maude, Aylmer, 1858-1938
Translator Maude, Louise, 1855-1939
Title The Cause of it All
Credits Produced by Bryan Ness, Jana Srna and the Online Distributed
Proofreading Team at www.pgdp.net
Reading Level Reading ease score: 95.1 (5th grade). Very easy to read.
Language English
LoC Class PG: Language and Literatures: Slavic (including Russian), Languages and Literature
Subject Russian drama -- Translations into English
Category Text
eBook-No. 26665
Release Date
Copyright Public domain in the USA.
Downloads 343 downloads in the last 30 days.

Project Gutenberg eBooks are always free!