A Prayer by Leo Tolstoy (1882)
The novella revolves around a young nobleman who seeks spiritual enlightenment through prayer and contemplation. He becomes disillusioned with the superficiality of his aristocratic life and embarks on a journey to find meaning and connection with God. As he prays, he grapples with feelings of guilt, shame, and self-doubt, which are exacerbated by his own moral shortcomings. His prayers become increasingly desperate and anguished as he struggles to reconcile his desire for spiritual transcendence with the harsh realities of his own life. Through his inner turmoil, the protagonist comes to realize that true spirituality cannot be achieved through external means, but rather through a deep understanding of oneself and one's place in the world. The novella ultimately presents a bleak and unflinching portrayal of the human condition, highlighting the inherent contradictions and paradoxes of spiritual seeking. The narrative is characterized by its stark simplicity and directness, which serves to underscore the protagonist's emotional intensity and spiritual desperation.
By Leo Tolstoy · First published 1882 · Genre: Philosophical Fiction, Religious Fiction, Tragedy · 2,980 words
First lines
"Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask Him. " Matthew 6: 8
"No, no, no! It can't be. Doctor! Surely something can be done? Why do neither of you speak? " said a young mother, as with long, firm steps she came out of the nursery, where her three-year-old child, her first and only son, lay dying of water on the brain.
What this Textopian page supports
A Prayer is listed on Textopian as an essay by Leo Tolstoy, dated 1882 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Leo Tolstoy
- Date: 1882 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Philosophical Fiction, Religious Fiction, Tragedy, Psychological Fiction, Literary Fiction
- Length: 2,980 words
- Structure: 1 section, 47 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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- Work identity for A Prayer by Leo Tolstoy
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Prayer?
- How does this essay by Leo Tolstoy fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Philosophical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Philosophical Fiction — The narrative explores deep existential questions about life, death, and the nature of God, reflecting on the human condition.
- Religious Fiction — The story delves into themes of prayer, faith, and the relationship between humans and the divine.
- Tragedy — The plot centers around the death of a child, evoking profound sorrow and emotional turmoil.
- Psychological Fiction — The internal struggles and emotional states of the mother are explored in depth, revealing her psychological conflict.
Tags
Philosophical · Spiritual · Meditative · Existential · Psychological · Autobiographical · Memoir · Personal · Inner · Journey · Self-discovery · Faith