LIES AND DECEIT IN LEO TOLSTOY'S ANNA KARENINA AND ITS FILM ADAPTATIONS

Leo Tolstoy's novel Anna Karenina and its film adaptations namely: Love (1927); Anna Karenina (1935); Anna Karenina (1948); Anna Karenina (1967); Anna Karenina (1997); Anna Karenina (2012). This research study is qualitative in nature using content analysis. Formalistic approach was in identifying the characterizing Anna Karenina in both novel and films and how each characterization compare and contrast with others. Psychological Approach was also used to highlight Anna Karenina's actions of "lies and deceit" in both the novel and films. Sociological Approach was used in determining what aspects of 19th century Russian society that are reflected in the novel and films and to what extent. Anna Karenina's character is revealed by the novel as someone of conscience but slowly degenerates as she continues to lie and deceive herself and others to escape from the consequences of her adultery. In the films however, this characterization is different and varies from film to film, mostly simplifying her compared to the depth provided by the novel. This simplification also extends to the portrayal of 19th century Russian society. Both the novel and films characterize and portray the character of Anna Karenina in different way of presentation of each medium, both mediums also reflect the 19th century Russian society.