Characters
In the story, Ivan Aksionov is the protagonist. He was a young merchant who had two shops and a house in Vladimir. He is a handsome young man who is hilarious. Additionally, he is a hardworking and responsible worker. For instance, he does not give up on what he does. On the other hand, he is depicted in the story as a very stubborn guy. This can clearly be shown when he does not listen or obey whatever he was told by his wife. Another protagonist in the story is Vanya. Vanya is the wife of Aksionov. She portrays all the right attributes of being a good wife. Indeed, she is a loving, caring, obedient, and faithful wife. Aksionov is lucky to have such a wife. Semyonich Makar appears to be a protagonist and an antagonist at the same time. Makar escalated all the sufferings being incurred by Aksionov. He is the one who killed a fellow merchant and labeled the claims on Aksionov. From the story, it is clear that Makar is an egocentric human being. Even though at least he admitted that he killed his colleague, he is generally a coward. The merchant is the victim who was murdered by Makar. The governor is being investigated for allegations that he participated in digging the hole that the killed merchant was buried. Other characters in the story were the soldiers and police officers who aides in the process of investigation. Mentioned in the story are also the children of Aksionov.
Setting
the story takes place at a place in Russia. Specifically, the whole story takes place in Vladimir town, which is majorly at the home of Ivan. It also happens that Akosionov was arrested while in Siberia. Another setting where the story is based is in prison. Aksionov stays in jail for about twenty-six years as a convict.
Conflict
the conflict that arises in this story is between a man and another man. In this case, Ivan collides with the authorities upon the discovery of a tunnel that was secret purposefully for eloping. Another conflict that is seen that of the society and man. It is clearly depicted when Ivan decides to take a short break. Still, unfortunately, an officer in the company of two soldiers shows up to interrogate him concerning what he knew about the merchant who was killed by cutting the throat. Another kind of conflict that arises is that of “man and himself” (Riski). Ivan is in a bitter dispute with himself when Makar attempts asking to be forgiven.
Exposition
Aksionov is a Vladimir based merchant and a family man. Occasionally he is invited to take part in a spree, but her wife keeps on intervening and by all means to block him. Aksionov disregarded her wife’s advice, and he decides to attend the spree. While going to Nizhny Fair, Aksionov come across a fellow merchant and decided to have a cup of tea with him. Thereafter, the two moved into the same inn for a spree. The following day in the morning, Aksionov just woke up and vacated the premise leaving behind the other merchant
The Rising
Action: It all starts when Aksionov is stop by the police for interrogation. In the process, the police officer in the company of two soldiers conducted only to find a blood-stained knife in his bag. “Aksionov was astonished (Jeong).” Seemly he did not understand what was going on. This saw him serve a sentence of twenty-six years. While in prison, he acquired skills in making boots and thus was in a position to earn some money. He then used the money to buy the lives of saints. Basically, he believes that God is the only one who knows the truth. He is, therefore, pushed to become more religious and prayerful. As time went by, Aksionov began attracting the attention and the trust of fellow convicts and subsequently, the authorities.
The climax
After interrogation, Aksionov establishes that the merchant he made before spending a night at the inn was found dead and eas the accused with the evidence that his bag contained a stained blood knife. Later, after serving a twenty sux year sentence, he comes across Semyonich, the actual murderer of the merchant who instantly confessed what transpired and told Aksionov the truth. At some point, the governor visited the prison with the aim of questioning all the convicts concerning the hole that had been dug. Even though Aksinov knew that Makar was responsible for the reaction, he never informed the governor about the same. Makar was serving a sentence of other crimes but not with the association of the murdered merchant. At this point, Aksinov discovered the actual murderer of the merchant.
The falling action
Immediately after the governor visited the jail, Makar went to Aksionov and really begged for forgiveness. Fortunately, Aksionov was quick to forgive and replied, saying that. “God will forgive you” (Nafisah). That is when Askanov felt relieved.
Denouement: even though the hole had been dug, Aksonov turns down the idea to escape from jail. Subsequently, Makar Seynich confesses that he is the actual murderer and sets free Aksoinov. Unfortunately, Ivan losses his life before being released from prison.
Themes
The main theme that is depicted by this story is: Everything happens for a reason and that the truth will set you free—moreover, the idea of forgiveness and faith. In the story, the author places much focus on informing the readers that God is above everything, and He is the one who knows the absolute truth about what is going on in our lives.
The moral lesson of the story is that we have to wait for the correct time to recognize the exact plans that God has for us in the long run. That the main God’s Plan is “basically not to hurt us but rather inculcate in us the various values of life “(Alkayed). Additionally, the story aims at informing us that God never neglects anybody no matter the nature and the kind of struggles. It is clearly depicted Aksionov died being informed and confident that actually, he is not the one who committed the crime. He is also very patient, which is a critical attribute in life.
Work cited
Riski, Wahyu. ANALYSIS OF the MAIN CHARACTER DEPICTED IN LEO TOLSTOY’S GOD SEES THE TRUTH, BUT WAITS. Diss. UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya, 2017.
Jeong, Ho-Won. Peace and conflict studies: An introduction. Taylor & Francis, 2017.
Alkaid, Faiha Fakhari Mousa. “SOCIAL CONSCIOUSNESS IN THREE SHORT STORIES WRITTEN BY LEO TOLSTOY.” International Journal 2.8 (2019): 241-248.
Nafisah, Nuharani Dyah, Rudi Hartono, and Issy Yuliasri. “TRANSLATION METHODS AND DEGREE OF EQUIVALENCE IN ENGLISH-INDONESIAN TRANSLATION OF LEO TOLSTOY’S “GOD SEES THE TRUTH BUT WAITS.” Rainbow: Journal of Literature, Linguistics, and Cultural Studies, 7.2 (2018): 1-10.