Master and Man

Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay. 

Scaffolded/Short-Answer Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the below bulleted outlines. Cite details from the story over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. Tolstoy presents a dichotomous relationship in Part IV between the older and younger generations of the same household. One of the topics discussed in this Part is the division of households, as well as the concern for the behavior of younger generations. Analyze this conversation, addressing the following questions:

• What are some concerns raised in Part IV regarding the separation of the households? (topic sentence)
• Summarize the different opinions of the family regarding the division of the household.
• What are the responses of Brekhunov and Nikita in this discussion? Do their respective opinions imply anything about each man’s status and/or age? Explain.

2. Throughout the story, Brekhunov reflects with satisfaction upon his possession of material goods and wealth. One of his concerns is the inheritance that he will leave to his heir.

• Why is Brekhunov concerned with this inheritance? (topic sentence)
• Select three instances in which Brekhunov speaks of inheritance within the story.
• How is Brekhunov’s preoccupation with material wealth contrasted with the ending of the story?

3. Consider Brekhunov and Nikita’s relationship with life and death. Towards the end of the story, each character’s feelings about death are communicated through an inner monologue.

• Do these characters share similar or contrasting views on their readiness for death? (topic sentence)
• Provide examples to support your claim.
• Based on what you have described about each character’s attitude toward death, what is ironic about the ending of the story?

Full Essay Assignments

Student Prompt: Write a structured and well-developed essay. Include a thesis statement, at least three main points supported by text details, and a conclusion.

1. As Brekhunov and Nikita proceed on their journey, they find that the road is very unclear. At many points in the story, each character must make difficult decisions on the best path to take in the journey. Consider both characters’ navigational choices. What is Brekhunov’s relationship with the road in this story? How does it compare with Nikita’s relationship with the road?

2. The story delineates social roles such that the reader understands Brekhunov is the “master” of his “man” Nikita. Consider the following: if Brekhunov is the “master” and Nikita the “man” within the social hierarchy, are there any moments in the story where these roles are reversed? Be sure to develop your essay with a clear thesis, and provide evidence from the text to substantiate your argument.