The Peasant and the Cucumbers

"The Peasant and the Cucumbers" is a short story by Leo Tolstoy that explores themes of morality, justice, and human nature. The narrative follows a peasant who, upon discovering a theft of his cucumbers, grapples with feelings of anger and the desire for revenge. Through the unfolding events, the story illustrates the complexity of human emotions and societal values, ultimately prompting readers to reflect on the nature of kindness, forgiveness, and the impact of one's actions on others. Tolstoy's characteristic storytelling and philosophical insight make this tale both thought-provoking and poignant.

								
A peasant once went to the gardener's, to steal cucumbers. He crept up
to the cucumbers, and thought:

"I will carry off a bag of cucumbers, which I will sell; with the money
I will buy a hen. The hen will lay eggs, hatch them, and raise a lot of
chicks. I will feed the chicks and sell them; then I will buy me a young
sow, and she will bear a lot of pigs. I will sell the pigs, and buy me a
mare; the mare will foal me some colts. I will raise the colts, and sell
them. I will buy me a house, and start a garden. In the garden I will
sow cucumbers, and will not let them be stolen, but will keep a sharp
watch on them. I will hire watchmen, and put them in the cucumber patch,
while I myself will come on them, unawares, and shout: 'Oh, there, keep
a sharp lookout!'"

And this he shouted as loud as he could. The watchmen heard it, and they
rushed out and beat the peasant.
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