'Herr und Knecht' Summary

Herr und Knecht (Master and Servant) is a thought-provoking novella by Leo Tolstoy that explores themes of social inequality, mortality, and the importance of compassion. The story follows two characters, a wealthy merchant named Vasily Brekhunov and his servant, Nikita. On a cold winter afternoon, they embark on a journey to purchase a forest from a neighboring landowner. However, they lose their way in a raging snowstorm and find themselves lost and alone in the unforgiving wilderness. As the night falls and the temperature drops, Vasily's initial arrogance and self-righteousness begin to crumble. He realizes the futility of his materialistic pursuits and the true value of human connection. Meanwhile, Nikita's humble and selfless nature shines through, as he takes on the role of protector and guide. Together, they confront their mortality and learn the importance of empathy, forgiveness, and the indomitable spirit of humanity.