«War and Peace» in the interpretation of N. N. Strakhov: current contexts

Abstract

The article presents an analysis and evaluation of N. N. Strakhov's interpretation of Tolstoy's novel “War and Peace”. Based on two fundamental organic notions – “life” and “soil” – the critic shows that “War and Peace” embodies the national character of Russia. Strakhov's understanding of “War and Peace” is also one of his attempts to counter nihilism in the public consciousness of nineteenth-century Russians and to promote the development and broad popular acceptance of Russian national culture in its best, pinnacle examples.