I'm well into Book 3 and don't really know how to feel. It starts off with a narrative description of the novel's philosophies, which probably sounds just dandy, but it really isn't. Tolstoy discusses the idea of fatalism, which basically means that man has no control over the future and there are no real causes for events. He also doesn't think that anyone has free will, because everyone is interconnected. I don't exactly agree with his ideas, but at least now I know where Tolstoy stands on war. He describes it as being "an event contrary to human reason and to the whole of human nature," which is true. It's all very heavy, and not that interesting to read.
The dog that I'm watching over break definitely had the right idea about this section of the novel. He was sitting with me as I read earlier today, so I started to read to him. After about two minutes he stood up, barked and walked away. In all honesty I wish that I could walk away right now too, but I'm definitely not going to.
I have such an on and off relationship with this book and it's driving me crazy. Now that I'm past half way there's no way that I'm going to stop reading, but I really hope that it gets better soon.
Another interesting description from you. I felt the same way when I was reading this book. Don't worry about it, it gets better! Hilarious about your dog though, what's his name?
ReplyDeleteThanks, it's good to know that I'm not the only one struggling with this section! His name's Charlie. I've been reading more to him and he hasn't walked away again yet... maybe he's just getting lazier!
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