The motif of trees in Leo Tolstoy's novels

with his masterful artistic technique, Leo Tolstoy constructs a symbolic "kingdom of trees" in his novels. As symbols of nature, trees not only bear witness to the fates of characters and social upheavals but also carry humanity's aspirations and hidden desires. Through close textual analysis, this paper examines how Tolstoy's depiction of trees transcends mere natural description, becoming a mirror of human emotions and thoughts. In Tolstoy's works, trees symbolize the eternity of nature, standing in stark contrast to social turmoil and the fragility of life, thereby revealing Tolstoy's profound reflections on human existence, social order, and the enduring power of nature.

Leo Tolstoy, novel writing, depiction of trees, thematic implications