Dickens vs Tolstoy featuring Tom Hiddleston and Zawe Ashton

The Battle Of The Great 19th-century Novelists with Professor John Mullan arguing for Dickens and historian Simon Schama arguing for Tolstoy. Bringing their arguments to life with readings we had Tom Hiddleston, star of Marvel's Thor and The Avengers, and Zawe Ashton, acclaimed for her roles in Fresh Meat and Wanderlust. The debate was chaired by Bonnie Greer.

Dickens. Tolstoy. Their names and reputations shake the ground – and so do their books, if you drop one. They are the two greatest novelists from the century when novels were really great. Both captured their countries’ very souls and, as vastly influential social reformers, savagely criticised them as well. But whose legacy is more enduring? Whose vision truer and more relevant today? Should you embark on War and Peace or Our Mutual Friend?

Stay up to date and follow us on:

[juliastenberg]

Let's be honest here. They knew exactly what they were doing when they put Tom Hiddleston in the thumbnail.

[motherchaos]

I think Hiddleston has a future as a teacher of the classics if he ever decides to hang up the acting hat.

[juliesteimle]

I am so glad Tom Hiddleston still does stuff like this. I like him in his movies, but I think he shines best in the classics.

[stnkpuy]

if i got a penny for everytime i've watched something i wouldn't normally watch because tom was in it, i'd be a millionare.

[xuenli]

i feel smart and stupid at the same time while watching this.

[JokerLurver]

I'm a simple woman. I see Tom, I click. Never disappointed.

[DanyAguilerastudios]

I came here for Tom Hiddleston, I stay for the performances.

[gracy]

So I’m one of the more annoying people who came because I saw Tom Hiddleston

[ThatRandomGirlAndrea]

No wonder Zawe and Tom are dating, they're both classic literature nerds and amazing actors. Good on them!

[this_mundane_life]

Everyone: I came for Tom
Me: I see Tolstoy I click

[natyvasova]

Tom: "abandon everything and fly away with me"

Me: Yes

[Lana_S-ova]

I am Russian, never ever heard Tolstoy in English before. Wow! It was very interesting and absolutely unique experience for me.

[itgirl]

You can't just choose one. Dickens vs Tolstoy, is just like... Tom Hiddleston or Benedict Cumberbatch, you can't just choose one because they both brilliant

[erikapeterson]

I'm a huge Hiddleston fan and love that he does these. It brings literature, plays, etc that normally fans wouldn't know to a wider audience.

[lil_archive]

Time stamps!
Charles Dickens
(12:48-18:40) Great Expectations performed by Zawe Ashton, Timothy West, and Kit Kingsley.
(21:10-22:55) Bleak House performed by Tom Hiddleston
(25:10-30:25) Great Expectations performed by Zawe Ashton, Julia Sawalha, and Timothy West.
(33:15-37:55) David Copperfield performed by Zawe Ashton, Julia Sawalha, Timothy West, and Kit Kingsley.

Leo Tolstoy
(44:45-47:25) Hadji Murat performed by Tom Hiddleston
(53:23-58:38) Anna Karenina performed by Julia Sawalha and Zawe Ashton
(1:00:12-1:04:50) Anna Karenina performed by Tom Hiddleston and Julia Sawalha
(1:06:00-1:10:20) Anna Karenina performed by Tom Hiddleston and Zawe Ashton
(1:13:02-1:19:40) War and Peace performed by Tom Hiddleston and Zawe Ashton

[Grimscribe]

Came here for the debate and was surprised to see Hiddleston on the stage; on this note: Damn it, Tom, you handsome bastard.

[monika-ljci]

Yeah, I love Tom too but can we talk about how awesome Zawe Ashton is here?

[poetryqn]

My personal opinion is that Dickens is much better at writing joy, while Tolstoy is a master of suffering. That is not to say that either is poor at the opposite emotion; just that it's like comparing a great rock guitarist with a spectacular concert pianist: they are different pleasures for me.

[ailaniwilliams]

young boys performance was INCREDIBLE there is almost no words to Express how good he is

[floren]

Woah, I'm blown away by Zawe. Her voice is so melodious, I love it.