Three Questions by Leo Tolstoy
The story revolves around three men who are sentenced to death for murder and robbery. They spend their last night on earth discussing the meaning of life and morality. The first man believes in a higher power that will judge them, the second man thinks they should take responsibility for their actions, and the third man is skeptical of both ideas.
By Leo Tolstoy · First published 1903 · Genre: Philosophical Fiction, Allegory, Fable · 1,827 words
First lines
It once occurred to a certain king, that if he always knew the right time to begin everything; if he knew who were the right people to listen to, and whom to avoid; and, above all, if he always knew what was the most important thing to do, he would never fail in anything he might undertake.
And this thought having occurred to him, he had it proclaimed throughout his kingdom that he would give a great reward to anyone who would teach him what was the right time for every action, and who were the most necessary people, and how he might know what was the most important thing to do.
What this Textopian page supports
Three Questions is listed on Textopian as a short story by Leo Tolstoy, dated 1903 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Leo Tolstoy
- Date: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Philosophical Fiction, Allegory, Fable, Literary Fiction, Spiritual
- Length: 1,827 words
- Structure: 1 section, 31 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Philosophical Fiction — The narrative explores deep philosophical questions about time, relationships, and the nature of existence.
- Allegory — The story serves as an allegorical representation of the search for wisdom and understanding in life.
- Fable — The work conveys moral lessons through a simple story structure, akin to traditional fables.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style emphasizes character development and thematic depth, characteristic of literary fiction.
Tags
Philosophical Fiction · Short Story · Moral Dilemma · Existentialism · Russian Literature · Classic Novel · Fable · Satire · Social Commentary · Psychological Insight · Human Nature · Morality Tale