Two Hussars

Style and Technique

In the novella «Two Hussars», Leo Tolstoy employs a realistic style characteristic of his work. The language is rich and expressive, using archaisms and colloquialisms to convey the atmosphere of the time and the characters' personalities. Tolstoy masterfully uses dialogues to reveal the inner world of the characters and their social roles. Literary techniques include contrast and parallelism: the story of two generations, father and son, is juxtaposed to highlight societal and moral changes. The narrative structure is linear, with a clear division into two parts, each dedicated to one of the protagonists. Tolstoy focuses on details, creating vivid depictions of the lifestyle and customs of the nobility. The description of characters and events is filtered through moral and philosophical reflections, adding depth and complexity to the work.