Tolstoy and Dostoevsky occupy a significant place in the pantheon of ‘great’ writers of world literature. What defines the evaluative notion of the word ‘great’ in this instance? Great works of literature are essentially those that address important concerns relating to the universal human condition; that convey their ideas through a uniquely rich artistic language and form; and offer insights that, rather than being ephemeral, ultimately speak to successive generations of readers. In the latter respect, they are both of their time and for all time.
