Section II : Literature
Unit - 1 Short Stories
Class 11 English
Chapter - 3
God Sees the Truth but Waits
Summary
Answer 👉
"God Sees the Truth but Waits" is a short story written by Leo Tolstoy that explores themes of truth, justice, and forgiveness. The story centers around a young man named Ivan Dmitrich Arapov who is wrongly convicted of murder and sent to prison. While in prison, Ivan has a spiritual awakening and comes to understand the true meaning of love and forgiveness.
The story begins with Ivan traveling to the city of N for a trade fair. Along the way, he encounters a man who is later found murdered and Ivan is falsely accused of the crime. Despite his protests of innocence, Ivan is sentenced to prison for 20 years. During his time in prison, Ivan learns about love and compassion from his fellow prisoners, and he begins to understand the true meaning of justice.
As Ivan approaches the end of his sentence, he learns that the real murderer has confessed to the crime and Ivan is released from prison. He returns to his hometown and begins a new life, filled with love and compassion for those around him.
The story ends with Ivan reflecting on his experiences and realizing that "God sees the truth but waits" to reveal it to the world. Through Ivan's journey, Tolstoy explores the idea that truth and justice are not always immediate, but they will eventually be revealed in their own time.
The story also touches on themes of forgiveness, as Ivan learns to forgive those who wronged him, including the person who falsely accused him of murder. Ivan's transformation from a bitter and angry man to a kind and compassionate one serves as an example of the power of love and forgiveness.
Overall, "God Sees the Truth but Waits" is a powerful story about the journey of self-discovery and the power of love and forgiveness to transform one's life.
Understanding the text
Answer these questions.
a. What bad habits did Aksionov have before his marriage?
Answer 👉 In the story, it is mentioned that before his marriage, Aksionov had several bad habits, including drinking and gambling.
b. What can be the meaning of his wife's dream?
Answer 👉 Aksionov's wife has a dream in which she sees him in a fur coat and hears that he is in prison. The meaning of this dream could suggest that she has a premonition about Aksionov's future, or it could symbolize her fear of losing him to his bad habits.
c. Why did Aksionov think of killing himself?
Answer 👉 Aksionov thinks of killing himself because he has been wrongly accused of murder and is sentenced to prison for a crime he did not commit. He feels hopeless and wants to escape his suffering.
d. Why did Makar disclose that he had killed the merchant?
Answer 👉 Makar discloses that he had killed the merchant because he feels guilty for not confessing to the crime earlier and wants to clear Aksionov's name. He also believes that it is God's will that the truth be revealed.
e. Why doesn't Aksionov wish to return to his family at the end of the story?
Answer 👉 At the end of the story, Aksionov does not wish to return to his family because he has changed during his time in prison and feels that he is no longer the same person. He also believes that his family would not want him back because of his reputation as a convicted murderer.
Reference to the context
a. "Well, old man," repeated the Governor, "tell me the truth: who has been digging under the wall?"
Answer 👉 The old man referred to in the quote is Aksionov. The speaker, the Governor, is asking Aksionov to tell him the truth about who has been digging under the wall of a merchant's shop.
b. Describe Aksionov's character.
Answer 👉 Aksionov is depicted as a simple and honest man who has led a virtuous life. He is kind-hearted and has a strong sense of morality. Despite the hardships he faces, he remains steadfast in his beliefs and is forgiving towards those who wronged him.
c. What is the theme of the story?
Answer 👉 The theme of the story is the idea of truth, justice, and forgiveness. The story highlights the idea that truth always prevails and that those who do wrong will eventually face the consequences of their actions.
d. Which symbols are used in the story and what do they indicate?
Answer 👉 In the story, symbols such as the dream of Aksionov's wife and the digging under the wall are used to represent the search for truth and the idea that justice will eventually be served. The dream foreshadows the eventual discovery of the true culprit and the digging under the wall represents the persistent pursuit of truth.
Reference beyond the text
a. What role does religion play in Aksionov's life? How does he undergo a spiritual transformation in the story?
Answer 👉 In the story "God Sees the Truth but Waits" by Leo Tolstoy, religion plays a crucial role in Aksionov's life and his spiritual transformation. At the beginning of the story, Aksionov is depicted as a man with a strong faith in God but lacking in moral rectitude. However, after being wrongfully imprisoned for a crime he did not commit, Aksionov undergoes a profound spiritual transformation.
During his time in prison, Aksionov begins to deeply reflect on his past actions and the meaning of justice and morality. He comes to understand that it is not the earthly justice system that ultimately judges a person's guilt or innocence, but God. This realization leads him to experience a profound sense of peace and humility, as he comes to accept that God sees the truth and will one day bring about justice.
Through this spiritual transformation, Aksionov becomes a more virtuous person, demonstrating compassion and forgiveness even towards those who wronged him. His faith in God and trust in God's justice become the cornerstone of his character, leading him to live a life filled with purpose and meaning.
b. What does the story tell us about the existence of unfair system of justice?
Answer 👉 In Leo Tolstoy's "God Sees the Truth but Waits," the story presents a view of an unfair system of justice. Aksionov, the protagonist, is wrongfully accused and imprisoned for a crime he did not commit. Despite his pleas of innocence, he is subjected to harsh conditions in prison and spends years suffering for a crime he did not commit. The story highlights the flaws in the justice system and the devastating impact it can have on people's lives. The idea that a person can be wrongly convicted and punished is a reflection of the corruption and injustice that can exist within the legal system. Ultimately, the story underscores the need for fairness and justice, and the importance of truth being revealed.
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