The story revolves around a peasant who is forced to cut down a forest to make way for the construction of a new road. The peasant's actions are driven by economic necessity and societal pressure, but he struggles with the moral implications of his actions. As the peasant continues to fell trees, he begins to see the natural world as a commodity to be exploited rather than a living entity worthy of respect. This shift in perspective is mirrored in the way the other characters in the story view the forest and its inhabitants. The narrative explores themes of environmental degradation, the exploitation of natural resources, and the dehumanizing effects of industrialization on rural communities.
By Leo Tolstoy · First published 1855 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Social Commentary · 13 chapters