A Spark Neglected Burns the House
The story revolves around a young nobleman who returns to his family's estate after years abroad. He finds that the household has been neglected and is in disarray. The family's finances are also in shambles due to their lavish spending. As he tries to restore order, he faces resistance from his relatives, particularly his mother, who is accustomed to a life of luxury. The young man's efforts to reform the household are met with resentment and hostility. Through his experiences, Tolstoy explores themes of family dynamics, social class, and personal responsibility. The story highlights the consequences of neglecting one's duties and the importance of taking control of one's life. The narrative is a commentary on the societal norms of the time, particularly the excesses of the Russian nobility. It also touches on the idea that true happiness can only be achieved through hard work and self-discipline.
By Leo Tolstoy · Genre: Fiction, Drama, Moral Tale · 7,351 words
First lines
"Then came Peter, and said to him, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? until seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times; but, Until seventy times seven. Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would make a reckoning with his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not wherewith to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And the lord of that servant, being moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. But that servant went out, and found one of his fellow-servants, which owed him a hundred pence: and he laid hold on him, and took him by the throat saying, Pay what thou owest. So his fellow-servant fell down and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay that which was due. So when his fellow-servants saw what was done, they were exceeding sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. Then his lord called him unto him, and saith to him, Thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou besoughtest me: shouldest not thou also have had mercy on thy fellow-servant, even as I had mercy on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due. So shall also my heavenly Father do unto you, if ye forgive not every one his brother from your hearts. " Matthew 18: 21-–-35
What this Textopian page supports
A Spark Neglected Burns the House is listed on Textopian as a short story by Leo Tolstoy, dated Date unknown.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Leo Tolstoy
- Date: Date unknown
- Language: English
- Genres: Fiction, Drama, Moral Tale, Social Commentary, Tragedy
- Length: 7,351 words
- Structure: 1 section, 92 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Spark Neglected Burns the House by Leo Tolstoy
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Spark Neglected Burns the House?
- How does this short story by Leo Tolstoy fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- A Womam Of Thirty by Honore De Balzac
- The Song And The Dance by Aleksandr Kuprin
- An Evening In Spring by Ivan Bunin
- Peasant Wives by Anton Chekhov
- A Living Chattel by Anton Chekhov
- Pierre Et Jean by Guy De Maupassant
Genres
- Fiction — The narrative is a fictional story centered around characters and events that explore human relationships and moral dilemmas.
- Drama — The plot involves intense interpersonal conflicts and emotional struggles, characteristic of dramatic storytelling.
- Moral Tale — The story conveys moral lessons about forgiveness, the consequences of anger, and the importance of community.
- Social Commentary — The work critiques social behaviors and the impact of feuds on community life, reflecting on human nature and societal norms.
Tags
Philosophical Fiction · Psychological Insight · Social Commentary · Russian Literature · 19th Century Novel · Realism · Existential Crisis · Human Nature · Morality · Ethics · Family Dynamics · Marriage