What Men Live By, and Other Tales

What Men Live By, and Other Tales

Men Live By and Other Tales is a collection of short stories by Leo Tolstoy, one of the greatest authors of all time. The stories in this collection explore the themes of morality, faith, and the human condition. The first story, “What Men Live By,” tells the story of a shoemaker and his family who are visited by three angels. The angels teach the shoemaker and his family the meaning of life and the importance of living a moral life. The second story, “The Three Hermits,” tells the story of three hermits who live on an island and are visited by a bishop. The bishop teaches the hermits the importance of faith and prayer. The third story, “The Imp and the Crust,” tells the story of a poor peasant who is visited by an imp. The imp teaches the peasant the importance of being kind and generous. The fourth story, “How Much Land Does a Man Need?” tells the story of a peasant who is obsessed with acquiring more land. The story explores the consequences of greed and the importance of contentment. The fifth story, “The Godson,” tells the story of a young man who is adopted by a wealthy family. The story explores the themes of family, loyalty, and responsibility. The sixth story, “The Coffee-House of Surat,” tells the story of a coffee-house in India where people from all walks of life come to discuss their problems and find solace. The story explores the importance of understanding and compassion. The seventh story, “The Death of Ivan Ilyich,” tells the story of a man who is dying and reflects on his life. The story explores the themes of mortality and the importance of living a meaningful life. The eighth story, “The Kreutzer Sonata,” tells the story of a man who is consumed by jealousy and hatred. The story explores the consequences of unchecked emotions and the importance of self-control. The ninth story, “Father Sergius,” tells the story of a man who renounces his wealth and position in society to become a monk. The story explores the importance of faith and humility. The tenth story, “The Candle,” tells the story of a candle that is lit in a dark room. The story explores the importance of hope and perseverance. The eleventh story, “The Dream of a Ridiculous Man,” tells the story of a man who has a dream that changes his life. The story explores the power of dreams and the importance of believing in oneself.

By Leo Tolstoy · First published 1885 · Genre: Philosophical Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Short Story · 25 chapters · 18,802 words

First lines

-"I'm quite warm, " said he, "though I have no sheep-skin coat. I've had a drop, and it runs through all my veins. I need no sheep-skins. I go along and don't worry about anything. That's the sort of man I am! What do I care? I can live without sheep-skins. I don't need them. My wife will fret, to be sure. And, true enough, it is a shame; one works all day long, and then does not get paid. Stop a bit! If you don't bring that money along, sure enough I'll skin you, blessed if I don't. How's that? He pays twenty kopeks at a time! What can I do with twenty kopeks? Drink it-that's all one can do! Hard up, he says he is! So he may be--but what about me?

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What Men Live By, and Other Tales is listed on Textopian as a play by Leo Tolstoy, dated 1885 CE.

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Fiction · Novel · Peasants · Russia · bashkirs · boots · bread · chief · children · coat · day · earth

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More by Leo Tolstoy