The Three Questions

By Leo Tolstoy

Leo Tolstoy was a prominent Russian novelist, philosopher, and social reformer best known for his epic novels “War and Peace” and “Anna Karenina”, which capture complex human experiences and social issues. Born into nobility in 1828, Tolstoy grappled with questions of morality, religion, and social injustice throughout his life, which deeply influenced his writing. This short story “The Three Questions” is about a king who seeks wisdom by asking three questions: the right time for action, the right people to engage with, and the most important pursuit.

Q No. 1: Discuss the three questions the king wanted answers for.

Ans. The king wanted answers to three questions that he believed would make him successful in anything he might undertake. The questions were:

• What is the right time to begin something?
• Who are the right people to listen to?
• What is the most important thing to do?

Q No. 2: Was the king happy with the answers he got from people?

Ans. No, the king was not satisfied with the answers he received from various people. Different people provided different answers, and they were either contradictory or did not fully address the king’s concerns. This led him to seek the wisdom of a renowned hermit.

Q No. 3: Describe the reason that led the king to the hermit.

Ans. The king decided to seek out the hermit because he was known for his wisdom. He thought that if anyone could answer his questions with certainty, it would be the hermit. Moreover, the hermit lived a secluded life, which suggested that he was unaffected by wealth, power, or personal gain and this increased the king’s expectations.

Q No. 4: Analyze what was the hermit doing when the king approached him.

Ans. When the king approached, the hermit was digging and making beds. Despite being an old man, he was performing this strenuous labor himself. He offered to help, which allowed him to get closer to the hermit and perhaps receive the answers he sought.

Q No. 5: Who was the wounded man and how was he wounded?

Ans. The wounded man was an enemy of the king who had come to kill him. however, he came upon the bodyguards of the king who recognized him and wounded him severely. The king saved his life by dressing his wound and bandaging it with his handkerchief.

Q No. 6: Explain why did the wounded man tell the king that he forgave him?

Ans. The wounded man forgave the king because he saved his life and he was moved by the king’s kindness. Instead of punishing him, the king tended to his wounds and cared for him, which changed the man’s heart. He was grateful for the king’s generosity and no longer felt hatred or the desire for revenge.

Q No. 7: Evaluate how did the noble deed of helping the hermit save the king?

Ans. The king’s willingness to help the hermit by digging saved him from the wounded man’s surprise attack. Had the king not stayed to help, he might have been attacked by the man. This act of kindness created a situation in which the king’s life was saved.

Q No. 8: Analyze how did the hermit provide answers to the three questions?

Ans. The hermit provided answers through actions rather than direct words:

• Right time: The most important time is now, as it is the only time we have control over.
• Right people: The most important person is the one you are with at the moment, as they are who you can directly help.
• Most important thing: The most important thing to do is to do good for the person you are with, as acts of kindness never go unrewarded.

Q No. 9: Does the story have an inspiring undertone?

Ans. Yes, the story carries a deeply inspiring undertone. It emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment, valuing those around us, and engaging in acts of kindness. Tolstoy’s message encourages us to focus on what is most meaningful in life rather than getting lost in ambitions or abstract ideas.

Q No. 10: Are you inspired enough to follow the lesson of forgiveness, kindness, and ready acceptance of what comes in your way?

Ans. Absolutely. Tolstoy’s story offers a timeless lesson in humility, compassion, and forgiveness. Embracing these values can bring a sense of peace and fulfillment, both personally and in our relationships with others. The story suggests that these virtues, rather than power or knowledge, lead to true wisdom and happiness.