Elena Lungu’s Reviews > War and Peace > Status Update
Elena Lungu
is on page 4 of 1392
Over the past century, French had become the language of the Russian aristocracy, part of efforts to “westernize” Russian culture. By writing the novel’s opening exchange (criticizing France!) in French, Tolstoy mocks the aristocratic obsession with that culture.
— Nov 17, 2025 09:26AM
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Elena Lungu
is on page 4 of 1392
Over the past century, French had become the language of the Russian aristocracy, part of efforts to “westernize” Russian culture. By writing the novel’s opening exchange (criticizing France!) in French, Tolstoy mocks the aristocratic obsession with that culture.
— Nov 17, 2025 09:25AM
Elena Lungu
is on page 4 of 1392
Over the past century, French had become the language of the Russian aristocracy, part of efforts to “westernize” Russian culture. By writing the novel’s opening exchange (criticizing France!) in French, Tolstoy mocks the aristocratic obsession with that culture.
— Nov 17, 2025 09:25AM

