The Woman and the Hen by Leo Tolstoy
This novella explores themes of morality, free will, and the nature of good and evil through a simple yet profound story about a woman who kills her hen to save it from suffering. The narrative revolves around the woman's inner conflict as she grapples with the moral implications of her actions. The hen serves as a symbol for the complexities of human existence, highlighting the tension between compassion and self-preservation. Through the woman's decision-making process, Tolstoy raises questions about the morality of killing an animal that is suffering versus allowing it to continue its life in pain. This internal struggle reflects the universal human experience of confronting difficult choices and the consequences of our actions. The novella ultimately presents a nuanced exploration of the human condition, encouraging readers to consider the complexities of morality and the nature of good and evil.
By Leo Tolstoy · First published 1872 · Genre: Fable, Allegory, Satire · 39 words
First lines
A Hen laid an egg each day. The Mistress thought that if she gave her more to eat, she would lay twice as much. So she did. The Hen grew fat and stopped laying.
What this Textopian page supports
The Woman and the Hen 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, Satire, Short Story, Philosophical
- Length: 39 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Woman and the Hen by Leo Tolstoy
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Similar titles
- The Duck And The Moon by Leo Tolstoy
- The Dogs And The Cook by Leo Tolstoy
- The Falcon And The Cock by Leo Tolstoy
- The Polecat by Leo Tolstoy
- A Moral Little Tale by Lord Dunsany
- A Fable by Mark Twain
Genres
- Fable — The narrative conveys a moral lesson through a simple story involving animals.
- Allegory — The characters and events symbolize broader themes about greed and consequences.
- Satire — The story critiques human behavior and folly, particularly regarding expectations and overindulgence.
- Short Story — The work is concise and presents a complete narrative in a brief format.
Tags
Feminism · Satire · Social Commentary · Russian Literature · 19th Century Fiction · Animal Fable · Philosophical Themes · Morality Tale · Critique of Society · Class Struggle · Marriage and Relationships · Domesticity