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