Lucerne

Lucerne is a short story written by Leo Tolstoy in 1857. It is one of Tolstoy’s more philosophical works, exploring themes such as human suffering, social inequality, and the moral choices that shape a person’s life. The story is set in Switzerland, in the town of Lucerne, and it examines the lives of two central characters—a Russian aristocrat and a poor servant—who are both traveling through the Swiss countryside. Through these two characters, Tolstoy contrasts privilege and poverty, highlighting the different ways that people from different social backgrounds experience the world. In Lucerne, Tolstoy touches on themes of spirituality, moral introspection, and the transience of life.