The Horse and his Masters
This novella explores the relationship between a horse and its various masters throughout history, from ancient times to the present day. The narrative is presented through a series of vignettes, each depicting a different master-horse pair. The story begins with a wild horse that is domesticated by humans, who then use it for transportation and labor. As the centuries pass, the horse is passed from one master to another, each with their own unique personality and relationship with the animal. Throughout the novella, Tolstoy critiques the treatment of horses by humans, highlighting the ways in which they are exploited and mistreated. He also explores the emotional bond between humans and animals, suggesting that it is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon. Ultimately, the novella presents a bleak view of human history, arguing that our relationship with animals has been marked by cruelty and exploitation.
By Leo Tolstoy · Genre: Fable, Allegory, Philosophical Fiction · 158 words
First lines
A gardener had a Horse. She had much to do, but little to eat; so she began to pray to God to get another master. And so it happened. The gardener sold the Horse to a potter. The Horse was glad, but the potter had even more work for her to do. And again the Horse complained of her lot, and began to pray that she might get a better master. And this prayer, too, was fulfilled. The potter sold the Horse to a tanner. When the Horse saw the skins of horses in the tanner's yard, she began to cry:
"Woe to me, wretched one! It would be better if I could stay with my old masters. It is evident they have sold me now not for work, but for my skin's sake. "
What this Textopian page supports
The Horse and his Masters is listed on Textopian as a fable 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: Fable
- Author: Leo Tolstoy
- Date: Date unknown
- Language: English
- Genres: Fable, Allegory, Philosophical Fiction, Social Commentary, Short Story
- Length: 158 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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- Work identity for The Horse and his Masters by Leo Tolstoy
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Similar titles
- The Two Horses by Leo Tolstoy
- The Reeds And The Olive Tree by Leo Tolstoy
- The Horse And The Groom by Leo Tolstoy
- Happiness by Anton Chekhov
- The Milch Cow by Leo Tolstoy
- The Two Peasants by Leo Tolstoy
Genres
- Fable — The narrative conveys moral lessons through anthropomorphized characters, typical of fables.
- Allegory — The story represents deeper themes of dissatisfaction and the consequences of one's desires.
- Philosophical Fiction — It explores existential themes regarding the nature of happiness and fulfillment.
- Social Commentary — The work critiques social hierarchies and the treatment of beings based on utility.
Tags
Fiction · Novel · Russian Literature · 19th Century · Philosophical · Psychological · Realistic · Autobiographical · Coming of Age · Self-Discovery · Social Commentary · Morality