NAME: REXAN S.

TUYA

YR/CRS/SEC: 4BPED-C

GOD SEES THE TRUTH, BUT WAITS

Title: The title, “God Sees the Truth, But Waits,” encapsulates the central theme of
the story – the idea that truth and justice may be delayed or obscured by human
actions, but they will ultimately prevail under the watchful eye of a higher power.

Author: The author, Leo Tolstoy, is a renowned Russian writer known for his
exploration of moral and philosophical themes. In this story, he delves into the
concepts of forgiveness and redemption.

Genre: The story falls into the genre of a short moral tale or parable. It combines
elements of allegory and religious symbolism to convey a profound moral lesson.

Title Analysis: The title serves as a thematic statement, highlighting the story’s
central message that, while earthly justice may be slow or imperfect, divine justice is
infallible and patient.

Setting: The story is set in a Russian prison and the surrounding village. The prison
serves as a metaphorical representation of the protagonist’s internal struggle and
moral imprisonment.

Character: The central character is Ivan Dmitrievich Aksionov, a merchant who is

wrongfully accused and imprisoned for a murder he did not commit. Aksionov’s
character embodies the themes of innocence, forgiveness, and spiritual
transformation.

Plot: The plot revolves around Aksionov’s unjust imprisonment, his life in prison, and
his eventual release after many years. The story’s climax occurs when he
encounters the real murderer, whom he forgives before passing away in peace.

Literary Devices Used:

Symbolism: The characters and events in the story carry symbolic weight,
representing broader themes of guilt, redemption, and the divine presence.
Irony: There is irony in Aksionov’s situation, as he endures years of suffering for a
crime he didn’t commit, but he ultimately finds peace and forgiveness.

Foreshadowing: Tolstoy uses foreshadowing in the dream Aksionov has at the

beginning of the story, hinting at the events that will unfold.

Theme: The central themes include the power of forgiveness, the triumph of truth
and justice, and the role of divine intervention in human affairs. The story conveys
the idea that even in the face of injustice and suffering, one can find redemption and
inner peace through forgiveness and faith in a higher power.
NAME: REXAN S. TUYA

YR/CRS/SEC: 4BPED-C

HOW MUCH LAND DOES A MAN NEED

Title: The title, “How Much Land Does a Man Need?” immediately introduces the
central question and theme of the story, which revolves around human greed and
ambition in the pursuit of material wealth.

Author: The author, Leo Tolstoy, is a renowned Russian writer known for his works
that explore deep philosophical and moral themes. In this story, he uses a simple
narrative to convey a profound message.

Genre: “How Much Land Does a Man Need?” falls into the genre of short fiction,
specifically a parable or moral tale. It combines elements of allegory and folklore,
emphasizing a moral lesson.

Title Analysis: The title serves as both a literal and metaphorical question. On the
surface, it asks about the amount of land a person needs for farming or sustenance.
However, symbolically, it questions the extent of human desires and the
consequences of insatiable greed.

Setting: The story is set in rural Russia, providing a vivid and realistic backdrop for
the events. The specific settings, such as the Bashkirs’ land and Pahom’s new
property, play crucial roles in the plot’s development.

Character: The central character is Pahom, a peasant who desires more land.
Pahom’s character is defined by his ambition, pride, and ultimately, his downfall due
to his unquenchable greed. Other characters, like the Devil and the Bashkirs, serve
symbolic and plot-related roles.

Plot: The plot follows a clear structure, starting with Pahom’s desire for more land
and his journey to acquire it. As he accumulates land, conflicts arise, leading to a
climax where he collapses from exhaustion and dies. The story’s resolution reveals
the answer to the title’s question in a grimly ironic manner.
Literary Devices Used:

Symbolism: Land symbolizes material wealth and human desires. The Devil
represents temptation and the corrupting influence of greed.

Irony: The story is rich in irony, particularly situational irony, as Pahom’s pursuit of
land leads to his untimely demise.

Repetition: The Devil repeatedly tempts Pahom with more land, emphasizing the
theme of insatiable greed.

Dialogue: The dialogue is essential in revealing character motivations, especially in

Pahom’s interactions with the Devil and the Bashkirs.

Theme: The central theme is the destructive nature of human greed. The story
explores how uncontrolled ambition and avarice can lead to one’s downfall and
ultimately answer the question posed in the title: “How much land does a man
need?” The answer, tragically, is that a man’s greed can consume him entirely.