After the Ball

The detailed descriptions of society events seem to mirror their moral and emotional states. Did the setting serve as a metaphor for the characters' internal struggles?

The conclusion felt open and somber, almost like a lingering thought rather than a full resolution. What do others think Tolstoy was suggesting about life and morality?

His critique of social pretenses feels both personal and universal. I'm curious what motivated him to explore these themes so deeply in this story.