"The Captive in the Caucasus," written by Leo Tolstoy in 1872, is a novella that tells the story of Russian soldiers captured by Caucasian tribesmen. The main characters, Zhilin and Kostylin, are taken hostage in the Caucasus Mountains, with the tribe demanding a ransom for their release. Zhilin, the more resourceful of the two, attempts to adapt to his surroundings and plots their escape, while Kostylin is less adaptable and more despairing. Their first escape attempt fails, leading to a more stringent confinement, but their second attempt is successful, showcasing Zhilin's ingenuity and resilience. The novella, based on Tolstoy's own experiences in the Russian military, explores themes of human dignity, cultural conflict, and the nature of freedom.
5 окт 2024
