Master and Man by Leo Tolstoy (1895)

Name: Master and Man
Author: Leo Tolstoy

Master and Man is a short story by Leo Tolstoy, first published in 1895. It tells the story of a wealthy landowner, Vasili Andreevich, and his peasant servant, Nikita. Vasili is a hardworking and successful man who is determined to make a profit from a business venture. He sets off with Nikita to a distant village to buy a woodlot, but on the way, they get caught in a snowstorm. Vasili is determined to make it to the village, but Nikita is exhausted and begs him to turn back. Vasili refuses, and the two men struggle through the storm. Eventually, Vasili realizes that they are in danger and decides to turn back. He orders Nikita to take shelter in a nearby hut, but Nikita refuses, insisting that he will stay with Vasili. Vasili is moved by Nikita's loyalty and selflessness, and the two men embrace in the snow. The next morning, Vasili and Nikita are found dead, frozen in the snow. The story ends with a reflection on the power of love and loyalty, and how it can transcend class and social status.

By Leo Tolstoy · First published 1895 · Genre: Realism, Philosophical Fiction, Drama · 10 chapters · 19,247 words

First lines

It happened in the 'seventies in winter, on the day after St. Nicholas's Day. There was a fete in the parish and the innkeeper, Vasili Andreevich Brekhunov, a Second Guild merchant, being a church elder had to go to church, and had also to entertain his relatives and friends at home.

But when the last of them had gone he at once began to prepare to drive over to see a neighbouring proprietor about a grove which he had been bargaining over for a long time. He was now in a hurry to start, lest buyers from the town might forestall him in making a profitable purchase.

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Master and Man is listed on Textopian as a novel by Leo Tolstoy, dated 1895 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Leo Tolstoy
Date: 1895 CE
Language: English
Genres: Realism, Philosophical Fiction, Drama, Romance
Length: 19,247 words
Structure: 10 chapters, 664 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Genres

Realism — Leo Tolstoy's writing style is often classified as Realism, which is characterized by its focus on everyday life and its attention to detail.
Philosophical Fiction — The book explores philosophical themes such as morality, self-sacrifice, and the meaning of life.
Drama — The story follows the relationship between two characters, Vasili Andreevich and Nikita, and the dramatic events that unfold as a result of their journey.
Romance — The story contains elements of romance, as Vasili Andreevich's journey with Nikita is ultimately a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.