About Story
"God Sees the Truth, But Waits" is a short story written by Leo Tolstoy, originally published in 1872. The story is set in 19th-century Russia and based on a true story that Tolstoy heard from a merchant who had been wrongly convicted of murder and spent 26 years in Siberia. Tolstoy was deeply moved by the story and decided to write his own version of it. He wanted to show how a man can endure injustice and suffering with faith and forgiveness.
About Author
Leo Tolstoy was a Russian writer who is regarded as one of the greatest authors of all time. He was born in 1828 into a noble family and served in the army during the Crimean War. He wrote realistic fiction and semi-autobiographical novels such as War and Peace and Anna Karenina, as well as short stories, plays and essays. He also became a moral and religious teacher who advocated nonviolence and social justice.
Setting
The story is set in 19th century Russia, during the reign of Tsar Nicholas I. The story begins in Vladimir, a town where Ivan lives with his family and runs two shops. The story then moves to an inn on the way to Nizhny, where Ivan meets his friend and where the murder takes place. The story then shifts to a jail in Vladimir, where Ivan is visited by his wife and learns that his petition to the tsar has been rejected. The story finally ends in a Siberian labor camp, where Ivan spends most of his life working as a convict.Characters
The main characters of the story are Ivan Dmitrich Aksionov and Makar Semyonov. Aksionov is the protagonist who is falsely accused of murder and sent to Siberia. Semyonov is the antagonist who is the real murderer and later meets Aksionov in prison. Other characters include Aksionov’s wife, who has a premonition of his fate and visits him in jail; Aksionov’s merchant friend, who is killed by Semyonov at an inn; the district police inspector, who arrests Aksionov based on circumstantial evidence; and the governor, who grants Aksionov a pardon after Semyonov’s confession.
Here is a brief description of each character:
Ivan Dmitrich Aksionov: He is a young and handsome merchant who lives in Vladimir with his wife and children. He is fond of singing and playing the guitar. He is also a good and honest man, but he has a habit of drinking too much in his youth. He decides to go to Nizhny Fair to sell his goods, despite his wife’s warning that she had a bad dream about him. On his way, he meets a fellow merchant and spends the night at the same inn with him. The next morning, he leaves early and is stopped by the police, who find a bloody knife in his bag. He is accused of murdering the merchant and is sentenced to 26 years in Siberia. He suffers a lot in prison, but he never loses his faith in God. He becomes a respected and kind figure among the prisoners, who call him Grandfather or The Saint. He forgives Semyonov for framing him and dies peacefully after receiving a pardon from the governor.
Makar Semyonov: He is a greedy and ruthless man who kills Aksionov’s merchant friend at the inn and steals his money. He plants the knife in Aksionov’s bag to escape suspicion. He later ends up in the same prison as Aksionov, where he recognizes him as the man he framed. He feels guilty and tormented by Aksionov’s kindness and piety. He decides to confess his crime to Aksionov and asks for his forgiveness. He also writes a letter to the governor, admitting his guilt and asking for Aksionov’s release. He hopes to find peace by telling the truth, but he is too late to save Aksionov’s life.
Aksionov’s wife: She is a loving and faithful wife who cares for Aksionov and their children. She has a premonition of Aksionov’s misfortune when she dreams that his hair turned gray. She begs him not to go to Nizhny Fair, but he does not listen to her. She visits him in jail and faints when she sees him in chains. She asks him if he committed the murder, and he cries when he realizes that even she doubts him. She tries to petition the czar for his release, but fails. She does not see him again until after his death.
Aksionov’s merchant friend: He is an unnamed character who meets Aksionov at an inn on their way to Nizhny Fair. They have tea together and sleep in adjoining rooms. He is killed by Semyonov during the night and his money is stolen. His murder is the cause of Aksionov’s false conviction and imprisonment.
The district police inspector: He is an official who arrests Aksionov based on circumstantial evidence. He finds the bloody knife in Aksionov’s bag and assumes that he is the murderer. He does not listen to Aksionov’s explanations or alibis. He represents the corruption and injustice of the legal system.
The governor: He is another official who grants Aksionov a pardon after receiving Semyonov’s letter of confession. He arrives at the prison with the letter and asks for Aksionov, but learns that he has already died. He regrets that he could not save Aksionov’s life or restore his reputation.
Short Summary
Ivan Aksionov is a young merchant who is falsely accused of murdering his friend at an inn. He is sentenced to death, but later his sentence is changed to life imprisonment in Siberia. He spends 26 years in prison, where he becomes a kind and respected man. One day, he meets a new prisoner named Makar Semyonich, who turns out to be the real murderer. Makar confesses his crime to Ivan and asks for his forgiveness. Ivan forgives him and tells him to write a petition to the authorities. However, before the petition can be sent, Ivan dies of illness. The story ends with the words: "And only then did Aksionov understand that God does not reveal His will immediately, but waits for His appointed time."नेपालीमा सारांश (Summary in Nepali)
कथाको सुरुमा
Longer Plot Summary
The story begins with Ivan Aksyonov, a young and prosperous merchant who lives with his wife and children in Vladimir. He decides to go to a fair in Nizhny to sell his goods, despite his wife’s bad dream that he would become a grey-haired old man. He assures her that he will not drink or get into trouble and sets off on his journey.
On the way, he stops at an inn where he meets another merchant whom he knows. They have tea together and then retire to their rooms. The next morning, Aksyonov leaves early and continues his journey. However, he is soon stopped by a police inspector who accuses him of murdering the other merchant and stealing his money. Aksyonov denies any involvement, but the inspector finds a bloody knife in his bag that matches the wound on the victim. Aksyonov realizes that someone must have planted the knife while he was asleep, but he cannot prove his innocence. He is arrested and taken to prison.
Aksyonov’s wife visits him in prison and tells him that she has petitioned the tsar for his release, but it was denied. She also asks him if he really committed the crime, which breaks his heart. He tells her that only God knows the truth and that he has nothing to hide from her. He bids her farewell and resigns himself to his fate.
Aksyonov is sentenced to hard labor in Siberia for twenty-six years. He suffers a lot, but he also becomes more religious and compassionate. He helps other prisoners, reads the Bible, and prays every day. He earns the respect of both the guards and the convicts, who call him “Grandfather” and “The Saint”.
One day, a new prisoner arrives at the camp. His name is Makar Semyonich and he is a notorious robber. Aksyonov recognizes him as the man who stayed next to him at the inn where the murder took place. He feels a surge of anger and hatred towards him, but he does not reveal his identity or accuse him of anything.
Makar Semyonich also recognizes Aksyonov, but he pretends not to know him. He is afraid that Aksyonov will expose him as the real murderer, so he tries to avoid him and acts rudely towards him. However, he also feels guilty and tormented by his conscience.
One night, Makar Semyonich has a dream in which he sees Aksyonov digging a tunnel under the wall of the prison with a group of other prisoners. He wakes up and decides to inform the guards about it, hoping to get some reward or leniency. However, when he goes to the guardhouse, he sees that Aksyonov is not among the escapees, but is lying on his bed peacefully. He realizes that God has shown him the truth in his dream and that Aksyonov is innocent.
Makar Semyonich is overcome by remorse and confesses everything to Aksyonov. He begs for his forgiveness and asks him to write a letter to the authorities telling them that he is not guilty. Aksyonov is shocked and moved by Makar Semyonich’s confession. He tells him that he has forgiven him long ago and that it is God who will judge him.
The next day, Aksyonov dies peacefully in his sleep. His last words are “Forgive me, Lord”. Makar Semyonich’s confession is sent to the tsar, who orders an investigation into the case. However, it is too late for Aksyonov to be cleared of his charges or released from prison.
The story ends with a moral lesson: “It seems that only God can know the truth; He sees everything, and waits for His own time.”
Symbolism
Symbolism is the use of objects, actions, or words to represent abstract ideas or concepts. In “God Sees the Truth, But Waits”, Leo Tolstoy uses several symbols to convey the themes and messages of the story. Some of the symbols are:
Aksionov’s gray hair: This symbolizes his suffering and transformation. At the beginning of the story, his wife dreams that his hair turned gray, which foreshadows his misfortune. In prison, his hair actually turns gray, which shows how he ages and decays physically. However, his gray hair also reflects his spiritual growth and wisdom, as he becomes more humble and pious.
Aksionov’s voice and singing: This symbolizes his spirit and mood. When he is young and happy, he sings a lot and plays the guitar. His voice is cheerful and lively. When he is in prison, he speaks little and never laughs. His voice is low and sad. He only sings when he prays to God or when he forgives Semyonov.
The bloody knife: This symbolizes the false accusation and injustice that Aksionov faces. The knife is planted in his bag by Semyonov, who is the real murderer. The knife is used as evidence to convict Aksionov, even though he is innocent. The knife also represents the violence and cruelty of Semyonov’s crime and the legal system.
The prison: This symbolizes Aksionov’s loss of freedom and worldly possessions. He is separated from his family, his home, and his business. He lives in harsh conditions and works hard labor. He has no hope of escaping or proving his innocence. However, the prison also symbolizes Aksionov’s spiritual liberation and salvation. He learns to trust in God and accept His will. He finds peace and forgiveness in his heart.
The title: This symbolizes the main theme of the story, which is that God is the only source of truth and justice. Aksionov suffers because of human error and sin, but God knows that he is innocent. God also knows that Semyonov is guilty, but He waits for him to repent and confess. God sees beyond appearances and circumstances, and He rewards or punishes accordingly.
Imagery
Imagery is the use of descriptive language to create vivid pictures in the reader’s mind. In “God Sees the Truth, But Waits”, Leo Tolstoy uses imagery to convey the settings, emotions, and themes of the story. Some examples of imagery are:
The description of Aksionov’s wife’s dream: “She dreamed that she was lying in her bed with her husband, but she woke up without him. She got up and began looking for him; she ran out into the street and saw him in a crowd of people. He was going along with others, and his hair was quite gray.”
The description of the inn where Aksionov meets his merchant friend: “The inn was full of dealers and buyers. Ivan Dmitrich started bargaining with the dealers, and when he had had tea with them, he went to bed in a room on the ground floor.”
The description of the inn where Aksionov meets his merchant friend: “The inn was full of dealers and buyers. Ivan Dmitrich started bargaining with the dealers, and when he had had tea with them, he went to bed in a room on the ground floor.”
The description of Aksionov’s arrest: “The soldiers took him with them. They put him into a cart with his bags and drove him off to their chief. Ivan Dmitrich was sitting in the cart still holding the guitar in his hands. As he looked at his things thrown about among the soldiers’ feet he sighed.”
The description of Aksionov’s prison life: “In Siberia they gave him a place under a staircase in a tavern. There he lived for twenty-six years. He never saw his wife or children again. His hair turned white as snow, and his beard grew long, thin, and gray.”
The description of Aksionov’s death: “He lay on his bed with his face to the wall; he spoke no more to anyone; but prayed continually. He was asked to be carried out into the sunshine; but when he was brought out he said it was too hot; so they carried him back into the shade.”
The description of Aksionov’s prison life: “In Siberia they gave him a place under a staircase in a tavern. There he lived for twenty-six years. He never saw his wife or children again. His hair turned white as snow, and his beard grew long, thin, and gray.”
The description of Aksionov’s death: “He lay on his bed with his face to the wall; he spoke no more to anyone; but prayed continually. He was asked to be carried out into the sunshine; but when he was brought out he said it was too hot; so they carried him back into the shade.”
Major Themes
Some of the major themes in “God Sees the Truth, But Waits” are:
- Institutional justice vs. divine judgment: The story contrasts the flawed and corrupt human justice system that wrongly convicts and punishes Aksionov with the perfect and righteous divine justice that knows his innocence and rewards his faith. The story also shows how human justice can be manipulated by lies and deception, while divine justice can only be satisfied by truth and repentance.
- Faith and devotion: The story traces Aksionov’s spiritual journey from a worldly and materialistic man to a pious and humble prisoner who trusts in God’s will. The story also shows how Aksionov’s faith helps him cope with his suffering and find peace and forgiveness in his heart. The story also suggests that faith is more valuable than temporal things, such as family, wealth, or freedom.
- Family: The story explores the role of family in Aksionov’s life, both as a source of love and support, and as a source of attachment and temptation. The story shows how Aksionov’s separation from his family causes him pain and grief, but also how it leads him to detach himself from society and focus on his spiritual salvation. The story also shows how Aksionov’s family influences his decisions and actions, such as his wife’s dream, his children’s letters, or his desire to see them again.
- Forgiveness: The story illustrates the theme of forgiveness in different contexts, such as Aksionov’s forgiveness of Semyonov, Semyonov’s forgiveness of himself, or God’s forgiveness of both. The story also shows how forgiveness is linked to truth, repentance, and grace. The story also shows how forgiveness can heal wounds, restore relationships, and bring peace.
Moral
The moral of the story is that God is the only source of truth and justice, and that human beings should trust in His will and His timing. The story also teaches that forgiveness is a divine virtue that can bring healing and peace to both the forgiver and the forgiven. The story also warns against the dangers of lying, greed, and violence, and the consequences they can bring. The story also encourages faith and devotion as the way to salvation and happiness.
Sources
- LitCharts. “God Sees the Truth But Waits Study Guide.” LitCharts.com. LitCharts LLC, 2019. Web. 10 Jan 2022. https://www.litcharts.com/lit/god-sees-the-truth-but-waits
- Gray, Kerry. “Tolstoy’s God Sees the Truth But Waits: Symbolism & Analysis.” Study.com. N.p., 2022. Web. 10 Jan 2022. https://study.com/academy/lesson/tolstoys-god-sees-the-truth-but-waits-symbolism-analysis.html
- Archer, Dermot J. “Tolstoy’s God Sees the Truth, But Waits: A Reflection.” Religious Studies, vol. 15, no. 1, 1979, pp. 87-93. Cambridge Core, doi:10.1017/S0034412500011376.
- SuperSummary. “God Sees the Truth, but Waits Story Analysis.” SuperSummary.com. SuperSummary LLC, 2021. Web. 10 Jan 2022. https://www.supersummary.com/god-sees-the-truth-but-waits/analysis/
- KCSE Revision. “God Sees the Truth But Waits Analysis.” KCSERevision.com. KCSE Revision LLC, 2020. Web. 10 Jan 2022. https://kcserevision.com/god-sees-the-truth-but-waits-analysis/