The forged coupon, and other stories

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

243

Title

The forged coupon, and other stories

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A collection of posthumous stories by Leo Tolstoy exploring spiritual power, moral responsibility, and the human condition. The narrative shifts from a murderer's psychological torment to a young Tsar's visionary dream of societal corruption, ultimately challenging the reader to confront the ethical weight of state power and personal conscience.

Summary up to 500 words

Leo Tolstoy's *The Forged Coupon, and Other Stories* explores the tension between material reality and spiritual awakening through two distinct narratives. The introduction frames Tolstoy as a unique figure who straddles the roles of a harsh realist and a mystic, advocating for a simpler life rooted in the faith of the common people rather than the dogmas of the state church. The first story, "The Forged Coupon," follows Stepan, a man driven by desperation to commit a series of brutal murders. After killing a family, including a frightened woman who begs for mercy, Stepan is arrested. In prison, he is tormented by the victim's voice and visions of demons, leading to a failed suicide attempt. His eventual recovery allows him to find solace in the simple, devout faith of fellow prisoners, suggesting that redemption is possible through spiritual awakening and a rejection of worldly corruption. The second story, "The Young Tsar," presents a surreal dream sequence experienced by a newly crowned monarch. Guided by a mysterious figure, the Tsar traverses a nightmare landscape of Russian society. He witnesses the sale of spirits, domestic violence fueled by alcohol, judicial corruption, the suffering of the poor, and the brutal treatment of soldiers. Overwhelmed by the realization that he is responsible for these evils, the Tsar considers suicide or abdication. However, an old courtier dismisses his concerns as exaggerated, while his wife suggests delegating power to representatives. Ultimately, an inner voice reminds him that his primary duty is not to the state, but to his own soul and to God. The story concludes with the Tsar waking from the dream, realizing the dream's truths are just as pressing in reality, leaving his final choice for the future open. Together, these stories illustrate Tolstoy's critique of the institutions that perpetuate suffering and his belief in the transformative power of individual conscience and authentic faith.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Short Stories
• Classics
• Russian Fiction