Master and Man and Other Stories by Leo Tolstoy
The eleven stories included in this collection show the artistry Tolstoy developed over the course of five decades, experimenting with writing forms and relying on his own experiences with wit, realism, and compassion. The contrast between a dashing father and his cruel son in “The Two Hussars,” which was inspired by his military experiences, is striking. What Men Live By depicts an angel brought to Earth to learn three basic laws of life, and Two Old Men depicts a peasant forgoing his visit to the Holy Land in order to help his neighbours, both of which serve as examples of Tolstoy’s idea that art must have a moral purpose. And in the very touching “Master and Man,” Tolstoy shows a mercenary trader going through a blizzard with his unremarked servant to seal a bargain, unaware that he could soon have to make amends with his maker.
Master and Man and Other Stories by Leo Tolstoy
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Undoubtedly one of the most significant authors of the 19th century was Count Leo Tolstoy, the most Russian of Russian author who was also a devout Christian, pacifist, and anarchist. His writing influences social and political as well as literary views.
It becomes evident from Master and Man that Tolstoy hated the wealthy classes. They were, in his opinion, naive, irresponsible, and only concerned with increasing their wealth. and currently? It’s difficult to disagree with his evaluation, I suppose. We watch as wealthy businessman Vasili Andreevich Brekhunov embarks on what should be a brief journey to acquire some land for a small fraction of its true value. Only his wife’s pleading gets him to go because it’s winter and the weather is threatening.
The journey becomes a nightmare due to Brekhunov’s incompetence and obstinacy as they repeatedly get lost and eventually become caught in a deep drift in the middle of a ferocious snowstorm. Brekhunov doesn’t realize the value of his fortune until the very end of his life when he realizes that only caring for others is worthwhile. Tolstoy, who himself hailed from a wealthy, aristocratic family, has little sympathy for either the master or the man, demonstrating to us that both are naive to think the master is superior. Nikita, a binge drinker, has made a promise to abstain from alcohol but yearns for his vodka.
Due to his lack of initiative and intellectual laziness, he permits Brekhunov to deprive him of his proper compensation, just as he would not confront his wife about their border affair. Nikita repeatedly nods off during the journey, believing that Brekhunov will safely guide them to their destination instead of realizing the possibility of the calamity in their circumstance. However, each time he awakens, he discovers that their condition has gotten worse. His blind faith in Brekhunov almost results in his death.
