Communication Quote by Joseph Brodsky
“Out of Dostoevsky: Kafka. Out of Tolstoy: Margaret Mitchell. (in conversation, explaining his dislike for Tolstoy)”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Conversation on literary preferences, 1995
The speaker contrasts the influence of two authors, noting that Dostoevsky evokes Kafka-like existential angst while Tolstoy inspires narratives akin to Margaret Mitchell’s Southern epics.
In simple terms: Dostoevsky feels like Kafka; Tolstoy feels like Mitchell.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how different writers shape your emotional and thematic expectations.
Themes
literary influence
contrast
personal taste
Mood
introspective
analytical
Type
critical
comparative
When to use this quote
- reading clubs
- creative writing
- teaching literature
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
existentialism
realism
regionalism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you experience the emotional tone of Dostoevsky versus Tolstoy?
- Which aspects of Mitchell’s storytelling resonate with Tolstoy’s themes?
A Different Perspective
The comparison may oversimplify each author's breadth and ignore nuanced overlaps.
![“Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky (November 11 [O.S. October 30] 1821 – February 9 [O.S. January 28] 1881) is considered one of two greatest prose writers of Russian literature, alongside close contemporary Leo Tolstoy. Dostoevsky's works have had a profound and lasting effect on twentieth-century…” quote by Fyodor Dostoevsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ab7/fyodor-dostoevsky-342_russian-literature_fyodor-mikhailovich-dostoevsky-november_624363.jpg)
