The Long Exile By Leo Tolstoy

866 Words4 Pages
Envision spending twenty-six years in prison for false allegations. Leo Tolstoy, author of "The Long Exile", illustrates moral conduct throughout the short story. Traveling off to a fair and then being falsely convicted of murder is an eye catcher for any audience. This questions the character's mental stability. Because of Tolstoy's diction, the audience is able to infer that the protagonist died in peace after the truth was revealed. Throughout Tolstoy's story, "The Long Exile", he conveys character and conflict which portrays the theme that by forgiveness, serenity will be discovered. Through characterization, Tolstoy allows the reader to recognize the subject of forgiveness. The protagonist, Aksenof, demonstrates this idea through his actions, traits, and relationships. At the resolution of "The Long Exile", the truth is revealed and Aksenof says, "God will forgive you, maybe I am a hundred times worse than you are!" And suddenly he felt a wonderful peace in his soul" (811). Prior to Makar's confession, Aksenof felt unfulfilled because of his unfortunate fate. Following this admission Aksenof finally gains a sense of contentment. Forgiveness…show more content…
In the following quote, Aksenof professes his emotion, “Why do you put so many questions to me? I am not a thief or a murderer. I am on my own business; there is nothing to question me about” (806). Aksenof is trying to defend himself, but ends up in prison anyway. While being captive at the prison, the officers looked at him as a kind, respectful man. This implies that Aksenof has forgiven the officers for their false accusations allowing him to have an untroubled stay. Aksenof’s forgiveness portrayed importance on his own life because without it he would be looked as a completely different character among the prison. Rather than being conveyed as the “Grandfather” of the inmates, Aksenof would be observed as a discourteous, lonesome
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