🎙 Douglas Vigliotti dives deep into Leo Tolstoy's timeless masterpiece, "Anna Karenina." Discover why Tolstoy stands as a giant in Russian literature as Douglas unpacks the novel's rich themes, from the fiery pursuit of passion to the comforting embrace of duty. Journey through the contrasting tales of Anna's tumultuous affair and Konstantin Levin's search for joy in family life. Douglas offers insightful reflections on the novel's complex characters and sprawling narrative style, hopefully inspiring men to explore the world of classic literature.

✓ Sign up for the monthly newsletter at BooksforMen.org.

📚 Learn more about "Aristotle for Novelists" at AristotleforNovelists.com or READ IT NOW!

⚡️ Connect with the host on Instagram @douglasvigliotti or learn more about him at DouglasVigliotti.com.

🎧 Listen to Douglas Vigliotti's other podcast: Slightly Crooked: Good Stories, Told Well.

⭐️ Please consider sharing "Books for Men" with other men who enjoy reading, or subscribing and rating on your favorite podcast platform. Either goes a long way in helping new listeners find the show and inspire (more) men to read.

🗣️ Listen to episode #141: The Godfather | Mario Puzo!

💥 TOPICS COVERED IN THE EPISODE:

• Introduction to "Anna Karenina" (00:09) - Douglas introduces the podcast episode and discusses the classic novel "Anna Karenina" by Leo Tolstoy.
• About the Author (01:13) - An overview of Leo Tolstoy's life and literary contributions, emphasizing his influence and notable works.
• Setting and Narrative Structure (02:20) - Discussion about the novel's setting in Russia and its narrative told from multiple character perspectives.
• Iconic Opening Line (03:29) - Exploration of the famous opening line of "Anna Karenina" and its thematic significance regarding family dynamics.
• Character Arcs: Anna and Levin (04:49) - Analysis of the two main character arcs, contrasting Anna's tragic story with Levin's comedic journey.
• Tolstoy's Architectural Pride (06:01) - Tolstoy's reflections on the internal cohesion of "Anna Karenina" and the structure of the narrative.
• Takeaway: Passion vs. Duty (07:22) - Discussion on the novel's message about the consequences of following passion versus the importance of duty.
• Narrative Style: Omniscient Perspective (08:33) - Examination of Tolstoy's omniscient narrative style and its impact on character development and reader experience.
• Character Complexity and Themes (09:46) - Insight into the unlikability of characters and the deeper themes of morality, relationships, and societal expectations.
• Cohesion in Style and Theme (11:03) - Reflection on how the narrative style enhances the themes and messages Tolstoy conveys in the novel.
• Length and Approachability of Epics (12:18) - Discussion on the pros and cons of lengthy novels and their accessibility to modern readers.
• Conclusion and Encouragement (13:25) - Douglas concludes the episode, encouraging listeners to read "Anna Karenina" and engage with classic literature.