'Kreutzer Sonata' Summary

The Kreutzer Sonata unfolds through the narrative of Pozdnyshev, a man haunted by a past tragedy. He recounts his tumultuous marriage, marked by jealousy, possessiveness, and ultimately, violence. Driven by his own experiences and deeply influenced by Tolstoy's philosophy, Pozdnyshev advocates for a life of abstinence and a rejection of societal norms regarding marriage and sexual relations. He believes that physical desire is a corrupting force that leads to conflict, unhappiness, and even murder. Pozdnyshev's passionate and often unsettling monologue provokes questions about the nature of desire, the limitations of marriage, and the possibility of achieving true fulfillment outside of the constraints of conventional relationships. Through Pozdnyshev's stark and often disturbing narrative, Tolstoy challenges readers to confront the complexities of human intimacy and explore alternative perspectives on love, marriage, and the pursuit of happiness.