Fleeting Subjectivity in Leo Tolsloy's The Cossacks

Abstract

The present thesis titled “Fleeting Subjectivity in Leo Tolstoy’s The Cossacks covers the leading psychological problems of nineteenth century of Russia represented through the protagonist Olenin. Leo Tolstoy has shown especially the protagonist's fleeting psychology. His psychology is so split that he is not consistent in his thinking and behaviour. That is to say, he is full of confusion, and can not make any fixed decision whether to love Maryanka or not. His 'Id' 'Ego' and 'Superego' are in constant struggle. His Id frequently longs for the possession of Maryanka, but his superego, the internalization of the codes of society, does not allow him to do so as an army cadet of Russia, thereby resulting in the constant arbitration of Ego between the Id & Superego. Olenin is sublimating his libido by just aestheticizing the beauty of Maryanka as he compares her beauty to the beauty of mountain. His aestheticization of her beauty is nothing but the mere camouflage of his Eros, which is much evident in the end of the story when Olenin confesses his love for Maryanka. Olenin's inner psychology further fleets when Maryanka dismisses his entreaty.