Anna Karenina, written by Leo Tolstoy, is considered one of the greatest works of literature to have ever been written It tells the story of two families both dealing with love, tragedy, and morality in Tsarist Russia. Anna Karenina is an epic novel that not only follows the tragedies and joys of the characters but also explores the nature of philosophy and morality in Russian society.
The essay topics for Anna Karenina can range from the characters and their motivations to the book’s thematic elements and its place in literary history. Here are five ideas for writing an essay about Anna Karenina:
1. "Themes of Pride and Prejudice in Anna Karenina": In this essay, one might explore the ways in which Pride and Prejudice is present in Tolstoy’s work. Discuss what the characters’ pride drives them to do, how they are prejudiced against one another, and how these ideas shape their lives and the entire novel.
2. "The Role of Morality in Anna Karenina": Morality is a recurrent theme throughout Anna Karenina, and this essay could explore the various ways in which characters express it and how it affects the novel’s plot and outcomes. Consider the different codes of morality presented in Russia of the late 1800s, and how Tolstoy incorporates these into the novel.
3. "The Power of Love in Anna Karenina": Love is a major force that motivates the characters’ decisions and drives the storyline. Discuss the power of love in the book, and how it is shown in the relationships between Anna and Vronsky, and Kitty and Levin. What does their love bring them, and what does it cost them?
4. "The Characters of Anna Karenina": This essay could look at the various characters in Anna Karenina, such as Anna, Vronsky, Kitty, Levin, Dolly, and Stepan. How does each character’s journey express Tolstoy’s themes and messages throughout, and how do these characters’ choices reflect their values and beliefs?
5. "Anna Karenina in the Context of Literary History": This essay could explore the place of Anna Karenina in the canon of literature, looking at other works dealing with similar themes and how they compare to Tolstoy’s book. What has kept Anna Karenina so timeless, and how can it still be relevant to readers today?