STORY
3. God Sees the Truth but Waits
by Leo Tolstoy
SUMMARY
"God
Sees the Truth, But Waits" by Leo Tolstoy is a powerful and emotionally
charged short story that explores themes of innocence, justice, forgiveness,
and redemption. Set in Russia during the 19th century, the story follows the
life of Ivan Dimitrich Aksionov, a young and prosperous merchant living in the
town of Vladimir.
Aksionov
is depicted as a contented and happy man, known for his jovial nature and love
for singing. However, his life takes a tragic turn when he decides to attend
the Nizhny fair to sell his goods. Before leaving, his wife shares a disturbing
dream where she sees him return with grey hair, which he dismisses as a sign of
good luck. Along the way, he meets a merchant from Ryazan with whom he spends
the night at an inn.
The
following morning, Aksionov is stopped by soldiers and a district officer who
question him about the Ryazan merchant's murder. They search his luggage and
find a blood-stained knife, which they use as evidence to charge him with the
murder and robbery of twenty-thousand roubles. Aksionov is arrested and taken
away, leaving behind his devastated wife and children.
In
prison, Aksionov endures immense suffering, separated from his family and
labeled a criminal. Despite his unjust imprisonment, he maintains his faith and
becomes a symbol of strength and wisdom for his fellow inmates. His hair and
beard turn white with time, and he dedicates himself to prayer and reading
"The Lives of the Saints" in the dim light of his cell.
Among
the new prisoners is a man named Makar Semyonich, a tall and strong individual
with grey hair. As they spend time together, Makar reveals his own story of
arrest for horse stealing and proudly laughs when hearing about Aksionov's
unjust conviction. However, Aksionov remains composed, not revealing his
feelings about Makar.
One
night, Aksionov catches Makar digging a tunnel under his sleeping shelf. Makar
threatens him to remain silent, or he will kill him. Aksionov does not fear
Makar's threats, and instead chooses to stay true to his principles of honesty
and forgiveness.
Soon
after, soldiers discover the tunnel, and the governor arrives to question the
prisoners. None of them speak about the tunnel, and when asked directly about
it, Aksionov denies any knowledge of Makar's actions.
That
night, Makar visits Aksionov, begging for forgiveness and confessing to the
murder of the Ryazan merchant. He admits to planting the knife in Aksionov's
luggage to frame him for the crime. Aksionov is deeply moved by Makar's
confession and forgives him, embracing him with compassion and understanding.
Before
justice can be served and Aksionov's release can be granted, he passes away
peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of grace and forgiveness. His fellow
prisoners honor him and call him "Grandfather" or "the
Saint" due to his profound wisdom and kind-hearted nature.
"God
Sees the Truth, But Waits" is a profound exploration of the human spirit
and its capacity for endurance, forgiveness, and hope. Tolstoy's storytelling
masterfully portrays the journey of a man unjustly accused, whose unwavering
faith and capacity for compassion shine through even in the darkest of
circumstances. The story's powerful message about the importance of truth, justice,
and forgiveness resonates with readers, making it a timeless tale of resilience
and humanity.
Understanding the text
Answer these questions.
a. What bad habits did Aksionov have before his marriage?
Before
his marriage, Aksionov had a few bad habits that affected his behavior. He was
known to be a handsome and cheerful person who sought happiness. However, he
had a tendency to indulge in excessive drinking and engage in fights. He would
often drink to excess and become unruly, causing trouble for himself and others
around him. These bad habits of heavy drinking and involvement in fights were
part of his life before he settled down with his wife and family. After
marriage, he made an effort to give up these habits and lead a more responsible
and stable life.
b. What can be the meaning of his wife's dream?
The
meaning of his wife's dream can be interpreted as a premonition of misfortune
or a bad omen. In her dream, she saw her husband, Aksionov, returning to town
with grey hair, which made her deeply afraid and worried for him. The grey hair
in the dream could symbolize aging, hardship, or sorrow, and it might have been
perceived as a sign of evil or impending tragedy by his wife. Her fear and
concern for her husband's safety might have been intensified by this unsettling
dream, and it foreshadowed the unfortunate events that unfolded later in the
story when Aksionov was wrongly accused of murder and sent to prison.
c. Why did Aksionov think of killing himself?
Aksionov
contemplated killing himself due to the overwhelming weight of his past and the
unjust suffering he endured. Memories of his undeserved imprisonment, the harsh
conditions he faced, the company of other convicts, and the toll of twenty-six
years in chains haunted him. The burden of premature old age and the feeling of
being trapped in a life of despair became unbearable. Aksionov's wretchedness
and hopelessness reached a breaking point, leading him to consider ending his
own life as a way to escape the relentless pain and injustice he had
experienced.
d. Why did Makar disclose that he had killed the merchant?
Makar's
confession of the murder came from a deep sense of shame and remorse. He
witnessed Aksionov's compassion and forgiveness even after being wrongly
accused and suffering in prison for so long. Aksionov's act of saving Makar
from the governor's punishment despite being the victim of Makar's crime
touched him profoundly. This act of selfless kindness made Makar realize the
depth of his own guilt and the enormity of the harm he had caused. Feeling
overwhelmed by guilt and pity for Aksionov's undeserved suffering, Makar could
no longer bear the weight of his crime and decided to confess. Aksionov's
ability to show mercy and kindness even in the face of immense injustice brought
Makar to confront his own actions and seek redemption through confession.
e. Why doesn't Aksionov wish to return to his family at the end
of the story?
At
the end of the story, Aksionov doesn't wish to return to his family because he
has grown old and feeble during his long years of imprisonment for a crime he
didn't commit. He has endured immense suffering and injustice, and the weight
of his experiences has left him broken both physically and emotionally. He may
feel that he no longer belongs to the world outside the prison walls, as
everything and everyone he once knew has changed. Aksionov's longing to die in
prison could be a reflection of his desire to find peace and closure in the
place that has become his home over the years, where he has found solace in his
devotion to God and the pursuit of truth.
Reference to the context
a. "Well, old man," repeated the Governor, "tell
me the truth: who has been
digging under the wall?"
i.
Who is that old man?
That
old man is Aksionov who has spent his twenty-six years in prison.
ii.
Which truth is the speaker asking about?
The
speaker is asking about the truth of digging an escape hole.
iii.
Which wall does the speaker mean?
The
speaker means the prison's wall.
b. Describe Aksionov's character.
Ivan
Dmitrich Aksionov was a young and wealthy merchant in the town of Vladimir,
Russia. He had a cheerful and fun-loving personality, and he was passionate
about singing. Before his marriage, he had some bad habits, including excessive
drinking and involvement in fights, but he transformed himself into a better
person after marrying and having a family. Aksionov was falsely accused of a
murder and robbery, which led to his imprisonment for twenty-six years.
Throughout his time in prison, he exhibited great mental strength and
endurance, despite facing various hardships such as losing his home and
business. His faith and devotion to God grew stronger during these challenging
times.
Despite
his innocence, Aksionov held his peace and endured the suffering, waiting for
God's judgment. He displayed virtues such as forgiveness and acceptance, even
in the face of great injustice. He remained truthful and steadfast, maintaining
his integrity until the end. However, his fate was tragically altered by circumstances
beyond his control, and he ultimately passed away in prison. Aksionov's story
is one of resilience and faith, showing how even in the darkest of times, one
can find strength through religious devotion and inner virtues. His unwavering
commitment to the truth and his steadfastness in the face of adversity make him
a compelling and tragic character in Tolstoy's poignant tale.
c. What is the theme of the story?
The
theme of Leo Tolstoy's "God Sees the Truth, but Waits" is centered on
justice, forgiveness, faith, and the enduring power of truth. The story follows
Ivan Dmitrich Aksionov, who is wrongfully accused of murder and robbery and
sentenced to twenty-six years in prison. Despite his unjust suffering, Aksionov
holds onto his faith and belief in truth. The narrative highlights the pursuit
of justice, the transformative power of forgiveness, and the strength of faith
in the face of adversity. Aksionov's ability to forgive the true murderer and
maintain his faith in God underscores the story's themes of compassion,
redemption, and the ultimate triumph of truth and justice.
d. Which symbols are used in the story and what do they
indicate?
In
Leo Tolstoy's "God Sees the Truth, but Waits," various symbols enrich
the narrative. The house and shops symbolize earthly possessions that do
not offer lasting support and remain futile in Aksionov's dire situation. His
wife's nightmare of grey hair foreshadows his tragic fate, as it
eventually becomes a reality. The prison itself serves as a symbol of
Aksionov's suffering and his spiritual evolution during his twenty-six-year
confinement. Additionally, the book "The Lives of the Saints"
represents Aksionov's religious transformation, guiding him to devote his life
to God and maintain faith throughout his ordeals. These symbols add depth and
meaning to the story's themes of suffering, forgiveness, and the triumph of
truth and faith.
Reference beyond the text
a. What role does religion play in Aksionov's life? How does he
undergo a spiritual transformation in the story?
Religion
plays a profound role in Aksionov's life throughout the story "God Sees
the Truth, but Waits." From the moment of his arrest, he places his faith
in God, trusting that only divine judgment can reveal the truth of his
innocence. Despite enduring a harsh and unjust imprisonment for a crime he
didn't commit, Aksionov clings to his religious beliefs and remains steadfast
in his faith.
During
his time in the Siberian prison, Aksionov undergoes a significant spiritual
transformation. He embraces the teachings of the book "The Lives of the
Saints," which becomes a source of solace and guidance for him. Through
its lessons, he gains insight into various aspects of life, fate, and devotion
to God. His readings and hymn-singing in the prison's church on Sundays reflect
his growing dedication to religious practices and self-realization.
As
the years pass, Aksionov's character evolves, and he becomes known among his
fellow prisoners as "Grandfather" or "The Saint." His meekness,
acceptance of his fate, and commitment to righteousness earn him the respect of
both the prison authorities and his fellow inmates.
Despite
his harsh circumstances, Aksionov holds on to his truthfulness and integrity.
When he discovers the real murderer, Makar Semyonich, he refrains from accusing
him, demonstrating his willingness to forgive and embrace the path of peace.
Through his act of forgiveness, Aksionov not only displays a higher moral
standard but also finds inner peace in the face of adversity.
Religion
becomes the guiding force that shapes Aksionov's actions and attitude
throughout his imprisonment. It empowers him to endure the hardships of prison
life and remain true to his principles. Aksionov's spiritual transformation
ultimately culminates in his final act of forgiveness, which highlights the
redemptive power of faith and the triumph of truth over injustice. In the end,
he meets his death with a heart free of bitterness, finding solace in the
divine justice he trusts will prevail.
b. What does the story tell us about the existence of unfair
system of justice?
The
story "God Sees the Truth, but Waits" vividly portrays the existence
of an unfair system of justice prevalent in society. Ivan Dmitrich Aksionov,
the protagonist, is a kind and innocent man who becomes a victim of this unjust
system. The story highlights how one false accusation and a lack of proper
investigation can lead to the ruination of an individual's life.
Aksionov's
arrest and subsequent imprisonment for a crime he didn't commit serve as a
stark example of the flaws in the justice system. The authorities and
investigators fail to conduct a thorough investigation, relying solely on
circumstantial evidence to incriminate him. The fact that he is charged and
convicted based on mere suspicion and without any concrete evidence reflects
the arbitrary and unfair nature of the system.
Furthermore,
Aksionov's trial appears to be a mere formality, lacking transparency and due
process. The lack of proper legal representation and the inability to present
evidence in his favor further exacerbate the injustice. His cries of innocence
fall on deaf ears, and he is left at the mercy of a system that fails to uphold
the principles of fairness and equity.
The
story also sheds light on the role of social prejudices in influencing the
course of justice. Aksionov is a merchant, and his previous bad habits and
reputation become a hindrance in his quest for justice. The biased perceptions
of the authorities and society lead to a rushed judgment without proper
consideration of his character and past transformation.
Throughout
his time in prison, Aksionov maintains his innocence and faith in divine
justice. His steadfastness and unwavering belief in God's truth demonstrate the
resilience of the human spirit even in the face of extreme injustice.
The
author, Leo Tolstoy, uses Aksionov's tragic fate to criticize the flaws and
biases in the justice system of his time. He raises questions about the
reliability of circumstantial evidence and the need for a more comprehensive
and fair approach to justice. The story serves as a powerful reminder of the
potential dangers of an unjust legal system and the devastating impact it can
have on innocent lives.
"God
Sees the Truth, but Waits" is a poignant portrayal of the existence of an
unfair system of justice. It showcases the devastating consequences of false
accusations and the importance of upholding the principles of fairness,
transparency, and compassion in the pursuit of justice. The story serves as a
cautionary tale, urging society to address the flaws in its legal systems and
ensure that innocent lives are not sacrificed in the pursuit of justice.
Best of Luck
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