The Magnet by Leo Tolstoy (1857)
The story revolves around a young nobleman who becomes disillusioned with the societal norms and expectations placed upon him. He rejects his family's wealth and status, choosing instead to live a simple life of poverty and self-sufficiency. He moves to a remote area where he lives off the land, relying on his own labor for survival. This decision is motivated by a desire to escape the superficiality and materialism of society, as well as to find spiritual fulfillment through manual labor. As he settles into his new life, he begins to experience a sense of inner peace and contentment that eludes him in his previous existence. However, this newfound happiness is short-lived, as he soon becomes aware of the harsh realities of poverty and the difficulties of living off the land. Despite these challenges, he remains committed to his ideals and continues to live according to his principles. Through his experiences, he comes to realize that true freedom and happiness can only be achieved through a life of simplicity, self-sufficiency, and spiritual fulfillment.
By Leo Tolstoy · First published 1857 · Genre: Fable, Science, Adventure · 3 chapters · 791 words
First lines
In olden days there was a shepherd whose name was Magnes. Magnes lost a sheep. He went to the mountains to find it. He came to a place where there were barren rocks. He walked over these rocks, and felt that his boots were sticking to them. He touched them with his hand, but they were dry and did not stick to his hand. He started to walk again, and again his boots stuck to the rocks. He sat down, took off one of his boots, took it into his hand, and touched the rocks with it.
Whenever he touched them with his skin, or with the sole of his boot, they did not stick; but when he touched them with the nails, they did stick.
What this Textopian page supports
The Magnet is listed on Textopian as a short story by Leo Tolstoy, dated 1857 CE.
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: 1857 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fable, Science, Adventure, Historical Fiction, Educational
- Length: 791 words
- Structure: 3 chapters, 12 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Magnet 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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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Magnet?
- How does this short story by Leo Tolstoy fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fable first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- Galvanism by Leo Tolstoy
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Genres
- Fable — The narrative conveys a moral lesson through a simple story involving a shepherd and the discovery of magnetism.
- Science — The text explains the properties of magnets and their practical applications in navigation, emphasizing scientific concepts.
- Adventure — The shepherd's journey to find his lost sheep and the subsequent discovery of magnetism introduces elements of exploration and adventure.
- Historical Fiction — The setting in ancient times and the depiction of early navigation techniques provide a historical context.
Tags
Philosophical Fiction · Psychological Insight · Russian Literature · 19th Century Novel · Moral Dilemma · Existential Crisis · Social Commentary · Character Study · Inner Turmoil · Spiritual Quest · Self-Discovery · Morality vs. Conscience