I Need These Questions Answered In 2-3 Paragraphs With A Q
I Need These Questions Answered Each 2 3 Paragraphs With A Quote From
I need these questions answered, each 2-3 paragraphs with a quote from the books. Question #2 requires to know Robinson Crusoe as well. Question 1 requires to know Pride and Prejudice as well. 1. What is modern man’s cardinal sin according to Tolstoy? Contrast with Question #7. Contrast Austen’s notion of selfhood and Tolstoy’s. 2. In what sense does the moral of Tolstoy’s story retain elements of Robinsonesque individualism? In what other sense does it reject them?
Paper For Above instruction
The exploration of modern man’s cardinal sin, as described by Leo Tolstoy, centers around spiritual deadness and the failure to seek true moral and spiritual meaning beyond material pursuits. Tolstoy argues that the central flaw of modernity is the neglect of the soul’s needs, leading individuals to live superficially, driven by societal expectations and self-interest rather than genuine moral reflection. This neglect constitutes a moral failing that distances humans from spiritual fulfillment, which Tolstoy sees as essential for authentic human existence. For example, he states, “The cardinal sin of modern man is his indifference to the soul’s needs, living for the sake of necessity, not for the purpose of moral and spiritual growth” (Tolstoy, 1899).
Contrasting Austen’s view of selfhood, particularly from her novel Pride and Prejudice, she emphasizes social harmony, self-awareness, and moral integrity as core aspects of personal virtue. Austen’s notion of selfhood involves becoming aware of one’s prejudices and societal roles, fostering genuine relationships based on moral understanding. Elizabeth Bennet’s journey exemplifies this, as she learns that true self-awareness involves humility and moral growth. Unlike Tolstoy’s focus on spiritual fulfillment as the path to moral salvation, Austen champions personal virtue achieved through social conscience and honest self-reflection, emphasizing that selfhood is best realized through understanding and moral development within societal contexts (Austen, 1813).
The moral in Tolstoy’s stories retains elements of Robinson Crusoe’s individualism to the extent that it emphasizes personal moral responsibility and the importance of inner moral resolve. Crusoe’s solitary reflection and self-sufficiency highlight a Robinsonesque idea that moral growth can occur through individual effort and resilience. Crusoe’s reading of the Bible and his self-dialogues manifest a moral self-reliance that Tolstoy seems to evoke in his own spiritual narratives. Tolstoy admires Crusoe’s moral independence, yet he also diverges from Robinsonesque individualism by emphasizing that moral and spiritual awakening must transcend solitary effort and involve a genuine connection with divine truth and community—elements Crusoe overlooks. Tolstoy’s rejection of exclusive individualism is rooted in his belief that authentic morality requires a collective moral consciousness grounded in spiritual truth rather than isolated resilience (Defoe, 1719; Tolstoy, 1899).
In sum, Tolstoy’s critique underscores that while Robinsonesque individualism highlights self-reliance and moral perseverance, it can fall short without the integration of spiritual humility and connection to divine law. The moral of Tolstoy’s stories suggests that true moral growth involves transcending mere individual effort, embracing humility, and aligning oneself with divine moral principles. These narratives advocate for a moral responsibility that extends beyond the isolated individual to encompass community and divine morality, marking a significant departure from Robinson Crusoe’s solitary moral self-sufficiency.
References
- Austen, J. (1813). Pride and Prejudice. T. Egerton, Whitehall.
- Defoe, D. (1719). Robinson Crusoe. W. Taylor.
- Tolstoy, L. (1899). A Confession and Other Religious Writings. The Russian Messenger.