Sevastopol Sketches

Historical Context and Significance

«Sevastopol Sketches» by Leo Tolstoy is a significant work of Russian literature reflecting the events of the Crimean War (1853-1856). Tolstoy, having participated in the defense of Sevastopol, describes realistic scenes of military actions, the heroism and suffering of soldiers, as well as the moral and ethical questions related to war. These stories made a substantial contribution to the development of Russian realistic prose, portraying war not only as a battlefield but also as a test of the human spirit. The work's influence on culture is expressed in its deep humanism and critique of war, making it an important source for subsequent generations of writers and thinkers.