Influence Of Tolstoy's 'War And Peace' On German Realistic Literature

Abstract

The epic novel "War and Peace" by L.N. Tolstoy has profoundly influenced German realistic literature, yet the extent and nuances of this impact remain underexplored. This study addresses this knowledge gap by analyzing German literary works from the late 19th to early 20th centuries, focusing on how Tolstoy's philosophical and narrative techniques were adopted and adapted by German authors. Utilizing comparative literary analysis and quantitative data processing, the research identifies significant themes and stylistic elements borrowed from Tolstoy. Findings reveal that German writers integrated Tolstoy's realist approaches, particularly his depiction of war and societal dynamics, into their works, thus enriching the German literary tradition with deeper philosophical reflections and complex character portrayals. These results underscore the transnational influence of Tolstoy's literature and its role in shaping German realism, highlighting the need for further interdisciplinary studies to fully understand this cultural exchange's implications on European literary development.