The Maids and the Cock by Leo Tolstoy
This work is a novella that explores themes of morality, class, and the human condition through the story of two maids who are tasked with caring for a wealthy family's estate. The narrative revolves around the relationships between the maids, their employer, and the various members of the household staff. The maids' interactions with each other and with those above them in the social hierarchy serve as a microcosm for the societal structures that govern their lives. Through the characters' experiences, the novella critiques the class system and the ways in which it perpetuates inequality and injustice. The story also explores the complexities of human relationships and the ways in which people interact with one another based on their positions within society. Ultimately, the novella presents a nuanced and thought-provoking portrayal of life in a wealthy household during this time period, raising important questions about morality, class, and the human condition.
By Leo Tolstoy · First published 1872 · Genre: Fable, Satire, Allegory · 77 words
First lines
A mistress used to wake the Maids at night and, as soon as the cocks crowed, put them to work. The Maids found that hard, and decided to kill the Cock, so that the mistress should not be wakened. They killed him, but now they suffered more than ever: the mistress was afraid that she would sleep past the time and so began to wake the Maids earlier.
What this Textopian page supports
The Maids and the Cock 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, Satire, Allegory, Drama, Social Commentary
- Length: 77 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
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- Work identity for The Maids and the Cock by Leo Tolstoy
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Fable — The narrative features anthropomorphized characters and conveys a moral lesson, typical of fables.
- Satire — The story critiques social hierarchies and the absurdity of the maids' situation, reflecting satirical elements.
- Allegory — The plot serves as an allegory for the consequences of actions and the futility of rebellion against authority.
- Drama — The tension between the characters and their struggles creates a dramatic narrative.
Tags
Folklore · Russian Literature · Satire · Social Commentary · Morality Tale · Animal Fable · Short Story · Philosophical Fiction · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Social Satire · Critique of Class