Patience and Justice: A reaction paper to Leo Tolstoy’s ‘God Sees the Truth,

But Waits’

Leo Tolstoy's ‘God Sees the Truth, But Waits’ is a profound exploration of justice,
forgiveness, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Set in Imperial Russia,
the story follows Ivan Dmitrievich Aksionov, falsely accused of murder and sent to
Siberia. Despite his protestations of his innocence, he is still convicted and
separated from his family.

The story's central themes are forgiveness, justice, and faith. At first, Aksionov is sad
and hopeless over his wrongful conviction, but after spending twenty-six years in
prison, we witness his profound transformation. He learns to forgive, letting go of his
negative emotions and finding solace in faith, demonstrating the human capacity for
moral growth and redemption. On the other hand, the real murderer, Makar
Semyonich, descends deeper into a life of crime, highlighting the power of personal
choices.

Tolstoy's writing creates a vivid atmosphere, describing Siberia's harshness and the
labor camp's conditions. He explores the characters' inner thoughts, allowing readers
to connect emotionally. Despite being published in 1872, the story remains relevant
up to this day, especially in this country where wrongful convictions continue to
persist in the modern justice system. Up to this day, the issues of accountability
gaps, police misconduct, miscarriage of justice, and inequality carry on and those
who are truly at fault do not face the appropriate consequences of their actions.

The title, "God Sees the Truth, But Waits," encapsulates the story's message: true
justice takes time. It emphasizes patience and faith in adversity.

In conclusion, Leo Tolstoy’s short story remains as a timeless and thought-provoking

work that continues to transcend through time. Through Aksionov’s transformation
and Makar’s decline, Tolstoy imparts the enduring message that divine justice will
continue to prevail, even when human justice fails. This is a message that continues
to resonate in the modern world and to the next generations. As I continue to read
and reflect on this masterpiece, I realized the importance of trusting God and
nurturing our capacity for goodness in times of trials, and trust that in the end justice
will still prevail even if it takes a long time.