The Wood-Felling by Leo Tolstoy

Name: The Wood-Felling
Author: Leo Tolstoy

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 · 17,309 words

First lines

In the middle of the winter of 185-, a division of one battery was on service with the detachment operating in that part of the Terek Territory6 called the Great Chechnya. On the evening of February 14, knowing that the platoon which I, in the absence of any officer, was commanding, was to join a column told off to fell wood next day, and having given and received the necessary orders, I retired to my tent earlier than usual. As I had not contracted the bad habit of warming my tent with hot charcoal, I lay down without undressing on my bed, which was supported on stakes driven into the ground, drew my fur cap over my eyes, tucked myself up in my sheepskin cloak, and fell into that peculiar, heavy, and deep sleep which comes at times of anxiety, and when one is awaiting danger. The expectation of the next day's affair had this effect on me.

What this Textopian page supports

The Wood-Felling is listed on Textopian as a novella by Leo Tolstoy, dated 1855 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novella
Author: Leo Tolstoy
Date: 1855 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Social Commentary, Short Story, Realism
Length: 17,309 words
Structure: 13 chapters, 311 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The work explores deep themes of morality, human nature, and societal issues through a nuanced narrative.
Philosophical Fiction — It delves into existential questions and the human condition, prompting reflection on life and ethics.
Social Commentary — The narrative critiques social norms and practices, particularly regarding labor and the relationship between humans and nature.
Short Story — The work is concise and focused, fitting the structure and characteristics of a short story.