What does Tolstoy represent in the novel, At the Tolstoy Museum?

Tolstoy is a symbol that represents the need for paternal approval. Barthelme uses descriptive language to explore Tolstoy in this role. For example, he describes Tolstoy’s admonishing gaze as resembling a father’s disapproval toward a son on page 113. Moreover, Tolstoy represents moral authority because of his stature as the most admired figure in the museum.