TED-ED: Why should you read Tolstoy's "War and Peace"? - Brendan Pelsue

War and Peace is a lengthy yet thrilling novel by Tolstoy, exploring history through deep characters. Initially intended as a short novel, it evolved into a 1,200-page epic. Tolstoy's life and experiences influenced his writing, focusing on aristocrats and historical events. The novel intertwines personal and political narratives, posing questions about war and history. Critics debated its classification, but Tolstoy saw it as a unique expression of his imagination. The novel ends in 1820, offering a grand exploration of history, culture, and human nature.

What was Tolstoy's original intention for 'War and Peace'?

• A short novel about a political dissident

• A historical chronicle of the Russian Revolution

• A biography of Napoleon

• A collection of Russian folk tales

What historical event did Tolstoy initially want to write about?

• The French Revolution

• The return of the Decembrists

• The signing of the Magna Carta

• The Battle of Waterloo

Which class does Tolstoy focus on in 'War and Peace'?

• The peasantry

• The aristocracy

• The clergy

• The military

How does 'War and Peace' handle its characters?

• It only includes historical figures

• It is a collection of unrelated short stories

• It features a vast web of interlocking relationships

• It focuses on a single protagonist

Which historical figure appears in 'War and Peace'?

• Julius Caesar

• Alexander the Great

• Napoleon

• Genghis Khan

What question does Tolstoy explore in 'War and Peace'?

• What is the meaning of life?

• How do plants grow?

• What is the best form of government?

• Why do wars start?

How did Tolstoy view 'War and Peace'?

• As a traditional novel

• As an epic poem

• As a unique expression of his imagination

• As a historical textbook