Summary of God Sees the Truth but Waits

God Sees the Truth but Waits is a moral story by Leo Tolstoy that focuses on faith, patience, and divine justice. It tells the tragic life story of Ivan Dmitri Aksenov, a young merchant who lives with his family in the town of Vladimir. In his youth, Aksenov enjoyed worldly pleasures and material comforts, but after marriage, he settled into a more responsible life.

One summer, Aksenov planned to travel to the Nizhny Fair. Before he left, his wife shared a troubling dream in which she saw him return with grey hair, warning him not to go. Aksenov laughed off the dream and continued with his journey.

On the way, he met another merchant, and they stayed overnight at the same inn in adjoining rooms. Since Aksenov was not accustomed to sleeping late, he woke up early the next morning and resumed his journey. Shortly afterward, he was stopped by two soldiers in a troika. They questioned him about the merchant he had stayed with, who had been found murdered. When the soldiers searched Aksenov’s belongings, they discovered a bloodstained knife. Based on this evidence, Aksenov was falsely accused of murder and sent to prison.

When Aksenov’s wife learned about his imprisonment, she recalled her dream and began to doubt his innocence. This suspicion deeply hurt Aksenov and increased his suffering. Over time, he spent twenty six long years in prison. During this period, he became calm, humble, and deeply religious, placing his trust entirely in God. He was respected by other prisoners, who affectionately called him Grandpa.

One day, a new prisoner named Makar Semyonich arrived. After getting to know him, Aksenov gradually realized that Makar was the real murderer of the merchant. Although he felt anger and pain, Aksenov chose not to reveal the truth.

One night, Aksenov noticed Makar digging a tunnel to escape. Makar threatened to kill him if he reported it. Later, when the tunnel was discovered by the guards, the prisoners were questioned. The governor personally asked Aksenov, knowing him to be an honest man. Aksenov replied that it was not for him to accuse anyone and that only God could reveal the truth.

That night, Makar came to Aksenov and confessed his guilt. He begged for forgiveness and expressed deep remorse for ruining Aksenov’s life. Aksenov forgave him, and Makar promised to confess to the authorities so that Aksenov could be freed. However, Aksenov no longer desired freedom, as he had lost his family and home and had accepted his fate.

Although Makar eventually confessed his crime, the order for Aksenov’s release came too late. Ivan Dmitri Aksenov had already died, leaving behind a powerful message about faith, forgiveness, and the belief that God’s justice may be delayed, but it is never denied.

Exercise of God Sees the Truth but Waits

a. What bad habits did Aksionov have before his marriage?
Before his marriage, Aksionov had the habit of drinking alcohol, and when he drank excessively, he often behaved in a riotous and irresponsible manner.

b. What can be the meaning of his wife’s dream?
His wife’s dream can be interpreted as a sign of misfortune or bad luck that was about to fall upon Aksionov.

c. Why did Aksionov think of killing himself?
When Aksionov realized that Makar was the real murderer, he felt completely broken. He had lost his youth, his family’s trust, and had spent twenty six long years in prison. Having grown old before his time and feeling abandoned, he briefly thought of ending his life.

d. Why did Makar disclose that he had killed the merchant?
Makar disclosed his crime because he was filled with guilt and remorse. He realized that an innocent man had suffered for his wrongdoing, and he felt pity for Aksionov’s long suffering.

e. Why doesn’t Aksionov wish to return to his family at the end of the story?
Aksionov does not wish to return because his wife had died, he was disconnected from his children, and he had devoted his life entirely to God by the end of the story.

Reference to the context

a. “Well, old man,” repeated the Governor, “tell me the truth: who has been digging under the wall?”

i. Who is that old man?
The old man referred to here is Ivan Dmitri Aksionov.

ii. Which truth is the speaker asking about?
The speaker is asking about the truth regarding who had been digging the escape tunnel.

iii. Which wall does the speaker mean?
The speaker is referring to the wall of the prison.

b. Describe Aksionov’s character.
Aksionov is the central character of God Sees the Truth but Waits by Leo Tolstoy. He is a young merchant who is initially cheerful, handsome, fond of singing, and full of life. Before marriage, he drinks excessively, but later he reforms himself and becomes responsible. After being falsely accused of murder and sent to a Siberian prison, he undergoes a major transformation. Years of suffering make him humble, patient, and deeply religious. He becomes respected by prisoners and officials for his honesty and fairness. Despite discovering the real murderer, he chooses forgiveness over revenge and dies peacefully shortly before his release.

c. What is the theme of the story?
The story explores themes of faith, forgiveness, guilt, patience, acceptance, and divine justice. Tolstoy emphasizes forgiveness as the central theme, showing how Aksionov learns to trust God completely when human justice fails him. His suffering leads him to spiritual growth, humility, and compassion, ultimately proving that God’s justice may be delayed but never denied.

d. Which symbols are used in the story and what do they indicate?
Aksionov’s house and shops symbolize his family life, wealth, and material possessions. The Siberian prison represents suffering, injustice, and hardship, but it also symbolizes his spiritual awakening and moral transformation.

Reference beyond the text

a. What role does religion play in Aksionov’s life? How does he undergo a spiritual transformation in the story?
Religion plays a central role in Aksionov’s life. After losing hope in human justice, he places complete trust in God. Though innocent, he accepts his suffering with patience and faith. His forgiveness of Makar marks his spiritual growth and self realization. By the end of the story, he moves away from material concerns and embraces spiritual peace, reflecting the message that God’s truth prevails in His own time.

b. What does the story tell us about the existence of an unfair system of justice?
The story highlights the flaws in human justice, where an innocent man like Aksionov is punished while the real criminal remains free for years. It shows how evidence and assumptions can lead to wrongful punishment, emphasizing that human justice can be unfair and unreliable compared to divine justice.