What the actual fuck
3 stars
The Kreutzer Sonata is such a mind-bending story. I vaguely remember my high-school teacher citing it as a must-read, and retrospectively I cannot help but think: what the actual fuck.
I won't argue with the style (fantastic, gripping) and, sure, the book is full of deep thoughts, existential angst and moral theories about 'man', i.e. the hallmarks of great (straight, white, male) literature. But can we just stop to think about the plot for a second:
Man grows up behaving like a lad, visiting brothels and seducing married women. Man decides it is time to marry, picks young attractive gentlewoman. Man is disappointed because she is not a sex goddess the first time they sleep together. Marriage deteriorates because of lack of communication and shared interests. Sex is occasionally good, but always followed by arguments. The only thing that gives Man some satisfaction is reproducing (though Man blames wife for …
The Kreutzer Sonata is such a mind-bending story. I vaguely remember my high-school teacher citing it as a must-read, and retrospectively I cannot help but think: what the actual fuck.
I won't argue with the style (fantastic, gripping) and, sure, the book is full of deep thoughts, existential angst and moral theories about 'man', i.e. the hallmarks of great (straight, white, male) literature. But can we just stop to think about the plot for a second:
Man grows up behaving like a lad, visiting brothels and seducing married women. Man decides it is time to marry, picks young attractive gentlewoman. Man is disappointed because she is not a sex goddess the first time they sleep together. Marriage deteriorates because of lack of communication and shared interests. Sex is occasionally good, but always followed by arguments. The only thing that gives Man some satisfaction is reproducing (though Man blames wife for loving children too much - specifically for loving their bodies as well as their souls). Doctor orders wife to stop breastfeeding for health-related reasons, Man is disgusted. Doctor prescribes wife anti-conceptional, Man decides marriage no longer has a point. As wife's health improves, she looks more beautiful. Man is disgusted by this fact, Man starts beating wife because irritated by her demeanor. Man begins having attacks of groundless jealousy. Wife begins taking piano lessons, encouraged by Man. Man becomes jealous of piano teacher. Man surprises piano teacher and wife having dinner together during his absence. Man kills wife. Man blames moral corruption of youth for his moral corruption. The cure: abstinence for both genders, including after marrying.
In the postscript, author confirms he actually shares Man's conclusion. Wikipedia informs us author had 13 legitimate children, and at least an illegitimate one.
The other stories are variations on the theme of: rural life and poverty (though, thank god, not starvation) are virtuous - we (Russian aristocrats) should do it more often.