The Cause of it All: Play Guide and Free Edition
The Cause of it All: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.
The Cause of it All is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Tolstoy, Leo, graf (1828–1910). The listed translation credits are Maude, Aylmer (1858–1938); Maude, Louise (1855–1939).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"The Cause of it All" by graf Leo Tolstoy is a play in two acts written in the late 19th century. The work explores themes surrounding the impacts of alcohol and societal struggles within a peasant family setting. The play primarily delves into the effects of drinking on relationships and family dynamics, particularly examining how it affects the central character Michael and his interactions with his family and a wandering tramp. In this poignant yet revealing narrative, we are introduced to Akulína, an elderly matriarch, her son Michael, who struggles with alcohol addiction, and Martha, Michael's overburdened wife. As we observe the tension within their household, it becomes evident that Michael’s drinking fuels his aggression and contributes to strife in family relations. A significant event unfolds when a tramp is accused of theft after a night of staying with the family, highlighting social injustice and contributing to Michael's conflict with his wife. The play ultimately captures the dire circumstances faced by lower-class individuals and emphasizes the broader implications of substance abuse, questioning personal responsibility versus societal influences.
Book and edition facts
- Title: The Cause of it All
- Author credits: Tolstoy, Leo, graf (1828–1910)
- Catalogue language: English
- Translator credits: Maude, Aylmer (1858–1938); Maude, Louise (1855–1939)
Catalogue subjects
- Russian drama -- Translations into English
Gutenberg collections
- Category: Drugs/Alcohol/Pharmacology
- Category: Plays/Films/Dramas
- Category: Russian Literature
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View the complete Gutenberg catalogue record. Project Gutenberg identifies this edition as public domain in the United States; that designation does not establish its copyright status in every country.
Source notes
Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.
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