The Fox's Tail by Leo Tolstoy (1872)
This novel explores the lives of a group of aristocrats and peasants in rural Russia during the late 19th century. The story revolves around the themes of morality, class struggle, and personal relationships. The narrative follows the protagonist's journey as he navigates his place within the social hierarchy, grappling with the contradictions between his own values and those of the society he inhabits. Throughout the novel, Tolstoy critiques the excesses of the aristocracy and the oppression of the peasants, highlighting the need for reform and social change.
By Leo Tolstoy · First published 1872 · Genre: Fable, Allegory, Philosophical · 227 words
First lines
A Man caught a Fox, and asked her:
"Who has taught you Foxes to cheat the dogs with your tails?"
The Fox asked: "How do you mean, to cheat? We do not cheat the dogs, but simply run from them as fast as we can."
The Man said:
What this Textopian page supports
The Fox's Tail is listed on Textopian as a fable by Leo Tolstoy, dated 1872 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Fable
- Author: Leo Tolstoy
- Date: 1872 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fable, Allegory, Philosophical, Children's Literature, Short Story
- Length: 227 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Fox's Tail by Leo Tolstoy
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Similar titles
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- The Polecat by Leo Tolstoy
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- The Apple Tree by Leo Tolstoy
- The Wood Felling by Leo Tolstoy
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Genres
- Fable — The narrative features anthropomorphized animals conveying moral lessons, characteristic of fables.
- Allegory — The story illustrates deeper meanings about survival and cunning, representing broader human behaviors.
- Philosophical — The dialogue explores themes of perception and intention, prompting reflection on the nature of actions.
- Children's Literature — The simple narrative and moral lesson make it suitable for a younger audience.
Tags
Fiction · Novel · Russian Literature · 19th Century · Realism · Social Commentary · Philosophical · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Morality Tale · Coming of Age · Self-Discovery