Published by: Prastu Regmi
Published date: 28 Jul 2024
Leo Tolstoy, a prominent Russian story writer, wrote "God Sees the Truth but Waits." This narrative is about Ivan Dmitrich Aksionov, a young merchant living in Vladimir, Russia. He owned two shops and a residence. He was fairly attractive, fair-haired, curly-headed, full of fun, and enjoyed singing. He drank heavily before marriage, but he stopped drinking after marriage.
Aksionov intended to conduct commerce at the Nizhny Fair one summer. When he was about to travel there and say farewell to his family, his wife encouraged him not to go since she had a bad dream about him. She described her dream, in which she saw her husband with grey hair as he arrived from town. He did not care about his wife's will. He left the house and went into town. When he got halfway there, he ran across a trader he knew. They both stayed in an inn. They had tea and went to bed in adjoining rooms. When he awoke the following morning, he went to see the inn's landlord. He paid the bill and continued on his journey. He stopped to feed the horse after traveling around 25 kilometers. At the time, he was approached by police officers. They asked him a few questions. Aksionov responded to them. He was suspected of murder. They investigated his bags and discovered a bloody knife. Then he was arrested on charges of robbery and murder against that businessman. He was sentenced to prison as the murderer, notwithstanding his claims that he was not the perpetrator.
His wife and children came to meet him in prison. She became unconscious after viewing her husband's condition. When she became aware, she informed Akaionov that her appeal to the Czar had been denied. His wife's skeptical question led him to the conclusion that he could only trust God for the truth. Akπίστοv was often tortured in prison. Later, he was transferred to a Siberian prison to labor in mines. Aksionov spent 26 years there. He grew quite old, with grey hair and a beard.
One day, a new gang of prisoners arrived at the prison. Among them was Makar Semyonich, who had been imprisoned for stealing a horse. After hearing Makar's statements, Aksionov was certain that he was culpable for the crime for which he was condemned. He boasted about his experience to other detainees. Then blamed. The following night, Asksionev spotted Makar digging a hole under the prison's wall to escape from there. The following day, the authorities came there and asked them about the individual who made that hoje escape. The Governor instructed the inmates to reveal the truth one by one. Akzionov did not open his mouth. He told the Governor that he had no idea about it, even though he knew Makar had engaged in wrongdoing.
The following night, Aksionov discovered Makar seated at the foot of his bunk. Maker was astonished by Aksionov's kindness in protecting him from the Governor. Makar explained the reality of his shame so that Aksionov may be pardoned. Makar felt pity for his past actions. He beat his head on the floor while weeping for his forgiveness. Aksionov wept alongside Makar as he heard him sob. Aksionov's heart grew lighter after hearing Makar's regrets. He wanted to stay and die in prison. Finally, Makar admitted his guilt to the authorities. Aksionov died just before officials ordered his release.
1. What is the theme of the story?
ans: Leo Tolstoy's story 'God Sees the Truth But Waits' explores themes of guilt, forgiveness, faith, struggle, freedom, and acceptance. Narrated in the third person by an unknown narrator, the reader learns after reading the story that Tolstoy is possibly investigating the issue of forgiveness.
If his wife's plea to the Czar is dismissed, Aksionov understands he cannot right his wrong. He pledges himself to God, offering him the righteousness that no man can provide.
In jail, Aksionov has a quiet and religious demeanor. Officials and inmates admire his impartiality when resolving disagreements. Aksionov's faith in God is so strong that he believes he must be evil to deserve God's torturous life.
After Aksionov declines to report the drilling of Semyonich's tunnel, Semyonich is shocked by Aksionov's sympathy. Aksionov eventually forgives Semyonich.
2. Which symbols are used in the story and what do they indicate?
The most significant symbols in this short story are Aksionov's home (and two shops) and the Siberian prison mine where he is sentenced to hard work. His home and two shops symbolize his family, his belongings, and earthly matters. The prison itself symbolizes his hardship and eventual spiritual change.
3. Describe Aksionov’s character.
ans: Leo Tolstoy's story "God Sees the Truth But Waits" features Aksionov as the protagonist. He's a young merchant. He is a lovely, fair-haired, curly-headed fellow who enjoys singing and having fun. He drank heavily before marriage, but he eventually reformed and became a good man. He possessed good traits including faith, forgiveness, independence, and acceptance. His privileged existence is upended when he is falsely accused of a crime and sentenced to a Siberian prison camp. He obtains a good reputation among jail officials and fellow inmates. After being imprisoned beside the man who framed him, Aksionov is ready to commit himself. However, by the end of the novel, he has forgiven Semyonich. He dies just before the authorities authorize his release.