Polikushka Page #6

"Polikushka" is a short story by Leo Tolstoy that explores themes of morality, social justice, and the complexities of human nature. The narrative follows the life of Polikushka, a peasant who struggles with his responsibilities and ethical dilemmas. Through the character of Polikushka, Tolstoy examines the contradictions of society, particularly in relation to the treatment of the poor and the consequences of one's actions. The story is a poignant reflection on compassion, redemption, and the harsh realities of rural life in 19th-century Russia.

								

expression of fear on her face, she added, “He may have fallen asleep
somewhere on the way.”

About this time the joiner’s wife, with hair unkempt and clothes
bedraggled, went up to the loft to gather the linen which she had
previously put there to dry. Suddenly a cry of horror was heard, and
the woman, with her eyes closed, and crazed by fear, ran down the
ladder like a cat.

“Illitch,” she cried, “has hanged himself!”

Poor Akulina ran up the ladder before any of the people, who had
gathered from the surrounding houses, could prevent her. With a loud
shriek she fell back as if dead, and would surely have been killed had
not one of the spectators succeeded in catching her in his arms.

Before dark the same day a peasant of the village, while returning from
the town, found the envelope containing Polikey’s money on the
roadside, and soon after delivered it to the boyarinia.
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