GOD SEES

THE
TRUTH,
BUT WAITS
LEO NIKOLAEVICH
TOLSTOY
Major Themes of The Story

A clear heart forgives and

does not seek for
vengeance.
Aksionov (Aksenov) - young merchant who live
in
Vladimir

Vanya - the wife of Aksionov

Makar - the man who caused Aksionov‘s

sufferings
 In Russia , Vladimir
( Ivan’s home and Inn )

In Siberia
( Jail where Ivan was arrested )
 Expositi
The story
on
is all about Ivan who is the
main character in the story. Ivan was
a fair haired handsome, curly headed
fellow, full of fun. He lived in the town
of Vladimir and had two shops. One
summer, Ivan was going to the fair
and as he said goodbye to his family,
his wife approached him and told him
about his bad dream. This bad dream as
when he returned back and took off his
cap. She saw that his hair was already
gray but he just laughed and bad goodbye
 Rising
Action
On his way, met a merchant whom he
knows and they put up at the same
inn. They had some tea together and
went to adjoining rooms. It was not
Ivan’s habit to sleep late and wishing
to travel while it is still cool he
aroused his driver before dawn and
told him to ready the horse.
 He continue his travel and when he was
already almost away a troika drove up with
the officials and came to Ivan and began to
question him. Ivan answered them fully. The
official introduced himself saying I am the
police officer of this district and I question
you because the merchant with whom you
spent last night has been found with throat
cut. They suspected him and researched his
things. They have began again asking him
about the knife.
 Climax
Ivan was really shocked and could not utter
even single word. The police officer ordered
the soldiers to blind Ivan and to put him in
the cart. As they tied his feet together and
flung him into the cart, he crossed himself
and wept. His money and goods were taken
and was taken to the nearest town and
imprisoned him. He was also put into the
trial charged with murdering a merchant
and rubbing him of twenty thousand rubies.
 His wife was underpaid and did not know what to
believe. Her children were all quite small. Taking them all
with her she went to the jail and went to visit his husband.
For twenty six years Ivan lived as a convict in Siberia. His
hair turned white as snow, and his beard grow long thin, and
gray. Ivan’s life changed when he was in prison. He met a
friend in the prison which name Makar Semyonich and
introduced each other until they become friend.
One night as Ivan he was walking about the prison he
noticed some earth that come rolling out from which the
prison slept. He stopped to see what it was. It was Makar he
sized his hand and told him that he had dug a hale under the
wall getting rid of the earth for them to get out. He frightens
Ivan that if he would talk he will be killed, but Ivan response
told that he was killed long ago! Next day, when the convicts
were let out to work the soldiers noticed that one of the
prisoners emptied boots some earth out of him look.
The prison was searched and turned found. The warden
came and questions all the prisoners to find who had dug
the hole until they came to ask Ivan.
 Falling Action
Ivan was asked and knew that he would tell the truth
because he is the most loyal among them. Maker began
to tremble with fear thinking that Ivan would tell the truth
but he did not, that might when Ivan was lying on his bed
and just beginning to doze someone came quietly and it
was Makar.

Ivan threatened him that if he would not go away he

would call the policeman. Makar bent close over him and
whispered Ivan forgive me. He confess to Ivan that he is the
one who killed the merchant and hid knife in your things.
Ivan was silent and did not know what to say. Makar slid off
the bed shelf and knell upon him asking forgiveness.
 Resolution
Makar beat his head in floor. Ivan forgive me
He cried when Ivan heard him sobbing he too
began weep, God will forgive you said he
Maybe I am a hundred worse than you.
Ivan no longer desire leaves the prison but
only hoped for his last hour to come after the
confession of Makar. Inspired of what Ivan had
said Makar confess his guilt but when the order
for his release came, Ivan was already dead.
 Social
Significance
• Weak justice system

• Integrity

• Faith to GOD

• Acceptance of one’s mistake

 Reflection

After reading the story, one thing that reminds us is

that life is full of challenges. Challenges that will
eventually either leave us closer to God or holding a
grudge to him. We realize that everything is temporary.
Your possessions, your loved ones and everything that
you have will eventually be taken from you. Only your
faith will remain. GOD's way might be confusing but
you have to trust him.