Tolstoy & Tea

Leo Tolstoy is well known for his novels, War and Peace and Anna Karenina. Reading Tolstoy’s short stories is a great prelude to tackling his larger works. The Tolstoy and Tea class will discuss how some of the truths he wrote about 120+ years ago still hold true today. Students will also gain insights into Russian culture and how the cultural and political situation of the day greatly influenced Tolstoy’s view on life.

Recipes of zakuski/hors d'oeuvres, pastries, and other foods will be shared periodically, as we will sip tea as Russians love to do, discussing short stories, in the old world style. This class is intended for middle school and high school students, and will include quizzes, writing, and a final presentation.

Short stories will include:

• Yardstick
• 3 Questions
• The Two Brothers
• How Much Land Does a Man Need
• God Sees the Truth, But Waits
• A Confession