Kreutzer Sonata, The

<p>One of Tolstoy's most important shorter works, <i>The Kreutzer Sonata</i> presents a problematic view of the relationship between the sexes and promotes abstinence as the solution. Pozdnyshev jealously observes the intimacy that emerges between his wife and a violin player. Haunted by "The Kreutzer Sonata" over which they bonded; it plays round and round in Pozdnyshev's head driving him to distraction and to an unquenchable rage. <i>The Kreutzer Sonata</i> is a psychologically fascinating novella, offering interesting insights into the power play between the sexes.<p>