The Water-Sprite and the Pearl
This work is a novella that explores themes of love, morality, and the human condition through the story of a young man who falls deeply in love with a water-sprite. The narrative revolves around the protagonist's obsessive desire for the water-sprite, which ultimately leads to his downfall. The tale serves as a cautionary warning about the dangers of unchecked passion and the importance of living a virtuous life. Throughout the novella, Tolstoy critiques societal norms and expectations, particularly those related to love and relationships. He also explores the tension between reason and emotion, highlighting the difficulties that arise when these two aspects of human nature are in conflict. Ultimately, the story concludes with the protagonist's tragic demise, serving as a reminder of the devastating consequences of allowing one's desires to consume them.
By Leo Tolstoy · Genre: Fable, Fantasy, Allegory · 149 words
First lines
A Man was rowing in a boat, and dropped a costly pearl into the sea. The Man returned to the shore, took a pail, and began to draw up the water and to pour it out on the land. He drew the water and poured it out for three days without stopping.
On the fourth day the Water-sprite came out of the sea, and asked:
"Why are you drawing the water?"
The Man said:
What this Textopian page supports
The Water-Sprite and the Pearl 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, Fantasy, Allegory, Parable, Adventure
- Length: 149 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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- Work identity for The Water-Sprite and the Pearl by Leo Tolstoy
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Water-Sprite and the Pearl?
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Similar titles
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- Marya Moryevna by Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev
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- The Young Giant by Jacob And Wilhelm Grimm
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Genres
- Fable — The narrative conveys a moral lesson through a simple story involving anthropomorphized characters.
- Fantasy — The presence of a Water-sprite and magical elements indicates a fantastical setting.
- Allegory — The story symbolizes deeper themes of obsession and the futility of certain pursuits.
- Parable — The story serves as a short, didactic tale that imparts a moral lesson.
Tags
Fantasy · Fairy Tale · Russian Folklore · Mythology · Water Spirit · Pearl · Symbolism · Allegory · Coming of Age · Self-Discovery · Moral Lesson · Good vs Evil