"God Sees the Truth, But Waits" by Leo Tolstoy:
Q1. What dream did Aksionov’s wife
have one day before he set out to go to a fair? How did he interpret the dream?
Ans. Aksionov’s wife had a very bad dream about her
husband. She saw that her husband’s hair had turned white when he returned from
his journey. So she did not want him to go on his journey. But Aksionov said
that it was a good omen. She had seen his hair turn grey. It meant he would
live a long life.
Q2. What
bad habits did Aksionov have before his marriage?
Ans. Aksionov had a very attractive
personality and he was a very jovial type of person. But he had the habit of
drinking alcohol. When he drank in excess, he used to become riotous and start
fighting with people.
Q3. Why did Aksionov think of killing
himself?
Ans. At one occasion, Aksionov wanted to kill
himself because he was wrongly convicted and he had to face all tortures for
the crime that he had never committed. He recalled all the bitter realities of
his life. That made him depressed and, so, he wanted to kill himself.
Q4. Why did Makar disclose that he had
killed the merchant?
Type 2: Qs Based on the theme and incidents
Q1: What is the central theme of
"God Sees the Truth, But Waits"?
Ans. The central theme is the concept of divine
justice and forgiveness. Tolstoy explores how humans often face unjust
suffering but ultimately, true justice is revealed by God, encouraging patience
and moral integrity.
Q2: How does Aksionov change after his
imprisonment?
Ans. Aksionov transforms from a carefree,
prosperous merchant into a deeply spiritual and humble man. Imprisonment forces
him to confront his suffering and seek solace in faith, eventually leading him
to forgive the man who trapped him.
Q3: What role does forgiveness play in
the story?
Ans. Forgiveness is a central theme. Aksionov,
despite being wronged, forgives Makar Semyonich for trapping him. His ability
to forgive demonstrates moral growth and the power of inner peace, rising above
worldly injustices.
Q4: How does Makar Semyonich’s
confession affect the ending?
Ans. Makar’s
confession doesn’t save Aksionov’s life, as he dies before justice is reached.
However, it brings spiritual change in Aksionov, showing that while earthly
justice may be delayed, moral redemption and divine justice is never denied.
Q5: What does the title "God Sees
the Truth, But Waits" signify?
Ans. The title suggests that while humans may
suffer from injustice, God's truth will eventually be revealed, although after
a long wait. It shows the story’s focus on trusting in God's timing and the
belief that true justice will eventually be served.
Q6: How does Aksionov’s faith
influence his actions in prison?
Ans. Aksionov’s
faith makes him strong and full of patience during his imprisonment. He becomes
a respected person among other prisoners. He is known for his humility and
faith, which helped him endure years of wrongful imprisonment with strength.
Q7: How does Tolstoy depict the theme
of fate in the story?
Ans. Tolstoy portrays fate as uncontrollable and
often unjust in the short term. Aksionov's wrongful imprisonment shows how
one's life can be altered unexpectedly. However, his spiritual awakening
suggests that fate is connected to personal moral growth.
Q8: What message does Tolstoy convey
about human suffering in "God Sees the Truth, But Waits"?
Ans. Tolstoy suggests that human suffering, though
often unjust and painful, serves a purpose in the development of personal
virtue and spiritual understanding. Aksionov’s suffering leads him to faith,
forgiveness, and ultimately, peace.
Q9: What does Aksionov’s family’s
reaction to his arrest signify?
Ans. Aksionov’s family abandons him, believing he
is guilty. This reaction signifies how easily people can be swayed by
appearances and the unreliability of human judgment, further emphasizing the
story’s theme of divine justice being the ultimate truth.
Q10: Why
does Aksionov not seek revenge on Makar Semyonich?
Ans. Aksionov chooses not to seek revenge because
his faith has taught him the value of forgiveness and patience. He believes
that vengeance belongs to God, and he prioritizes spiritual peace over earthly
justice or retribution.
Q11: How does Aksionov find peace?
Ans. Aksionov finds peace through faith,
forgiveness, and acceptance of his fate. Despite being wrongfully imprisoned
for most of his life, he turns to God, abandoning bitterness and resentment. His
ability to forgive Makar Semyonich, the man responsible for his suffering,
grants him inner peace and spiritual fulfillment.
Q12: What does Aksionov learn?
Ans. Aksionov learns the power of patience, faith,
and forgiveness. Through years of wrongful imprisonment, he discovers that true
peace comes from accepting one’s fate and trusting in divine justice rather
than seeking earthly retribution. He learns that forgiveness liberates the
soul, even in deep suffering.
Q13: What is divine justice in ‘God
Sees the Truth But Waits’?
Q14: Why did Aksionov forgive Makar?
Ans. Aksionov forgave Makar because his years of
suffering had taught him the value of inner peace and spiritual growth over
revenge. His deep faith led him to believe that only God could judge and
deliver true justice. By forgiving Makar, Aksionov freed himself from hatred
and resentment, finding solace in forgiveness rather than vengeance.
Q15: What happens to Makar?
Ans. Makar Semyonich, burdened by guilt,
eventually confesses to framing Aksionov for the murder. Overcome with remorse, he begs for Aksionov’s forgiveness. Although Aksionov
forgives him, Makar’s confession comes too late to change Aksionov’s fate. Makar,
however, is deeply affected by Aksionov’s forgiveness, likely leading to his
own moral and spiritual awakening.
Q17: How does Makar change?
Ans. Makar changes from a deceitful and hardened
criminal into a remorseful and guilt-ridden man. After years of hiding the
truth, witnessing Aksionov's suffering and patience deeply affects him. His
growing guilt leads him to confess his crime and seek Aksionov's forgiveness,
reflecting his moral transformation and newfound awareness of justice and
repentance.
