2. ''God Sees the Truth, But Waits'' is an 1872 short
story by Russian author, Leo Tolstoy. The story
explores themes of forgiveness, justice, and faith
through the fictional story of a man found guilty
of a murder he did not commit.
3. Synopsis of "God Sees the Truth, But Waits" by Leo Tolstoy:
The story revolves around Ivan Dmitrievich Aksionov, a merchant from Vladimir. Aksionov is a kind
and honest man who is happily married. One fateful night, he decides to go to a distant town on
business. His wife begs him not to go, fearing that something bad might happen. During his journey,
Aksionov encounters a fellow merchant, Makar Semyonich, who persuades him to travel together.
They share a room in an inn, and Aksionov falls asleep. When he wakes up, he finds a bloody knife
near him, and Makar Semyonich is gone. Aksionov is arrested and accused of murder. Despite his
pleas of innocence, the court convicts him and sentences him to hard labor in Siberia.In Siberia,
Aksionov remained a model prisoner for many years. He befriends a fellow inmate named Makar, who
eventually confesses to the murder on his deathbed. Aksionov's innocence is finally proven, but it
comes too late. He has spent over twenty years in prison, enduring suffering and hardship. Aksionov's
unwavering faith in God sustains him throughout his ordeal. The story illustrates the theme that divine
justice prevails, even if human justice fails. It conveys the idea that while God may see the truth,
humans are often blind to it. Aksionov's life serves as a poignant example of patience, forgiveness,
and the belief that ultimate justice rests in God's hands.
4. (exposition)
Aksionov was about to start his journey to the Nizhney Fair to sell all his goods when
his wife begged him not to go because of a bad dream she had about Aksionov
returning home with grey hair. Ever the optimist, Aksionov took that dream as a good
luck sign and proceeded anyway.
(rising action)
Aksionov was accused of murdering a merchant friend whom he met on the
way to the fair.
(climax)
Wrongly imprisoned for 26 years, he meets Makar in the Siberian prison. Makar was
the murderer. of the merchant for which he was accused of.
(falling action)
In "God Sees the Truth, But Waits" by Leo Tolstoy, the falling action of the story
occurs after Ivan Dmitrievich Aksionov is released from prison, having served 26
years for a crime he did not commit. He returns to his hometown and lives a quiet,
honest life. During this period, he forgives Makar Semyonich, the man who had falsely
accused him. Aksionov's falling action is a life lived in peace and forgiveness, knowing
that the ultimate judgment of truth rests with God. It is a period of resolution and
acceptance of his fate.
5. (resolution)
In the story "God Sees the Truth, But Waits" by Leo Tolstoy, the resolution occurs when the main character,
Ivan Dmitrievich Aksionov, finally meets the man who is the true murderer, Makar Semyonich, many years
after his unjust imprisonment. Aksionov forgives Makar and reconciles with him. The resolution emphasizes
themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the idea that divine justice operates in its own time. It offers a sense of
closure and moral fulfillment as Aksionov's patience and faith in truth are rewarded.
(characters)
- Ivan Dmitrich Aksionov : later called “Gran’dad” or “the saint”
- Aksionov’s wife
- Alsionov’s children
- Merchant
- Police officer
- Makar semyonich
- Governor
- Prisoners
(setting)
- Town of Vladimir - Siberian prison
- Inn
6. (Summary)
It revolves around a man named Ivan Dmitrievich Aksionov, who is wrongfully accused of
murder and sent to Siberia. Throughout his unjust imprisonment, Aksionov maintains his
innocence and unwavering faith in God. After many years, the true murderer is revealed,
and Aksionov's innocence is acknowledged, but only after he has spent decades in
Siberia. The story explores themes of justice, forgiveness, and the idea that ultimately,
God knows the truth, even if humans do not.
(moral value)
The moral lesson that I learned in this story is, don’t stop believing in God, be good to the
people around you and don’t let anyone to suffer on the wrong things that you’ve made
because you might destroy the life of one’s person if you did it and lastly don’t be too
judgmental because you might be wrong on what you say or what you suspected.
