Fishbowl Discussion Questions“God Sees the Truth But Waits” by Leo Tolstoy

Pages 124-133 in the Core Knowledge Realms of Gold anthology

Directions: Follow the Fishbowl Discussion directions, but use these questions when it’s your turn to participate inside the fishbowl. You do not have to answer these questions in order, and you are not limited to these questions.

1. Why is the story called “God Sees the Truth But Waits”?

2. What is the exposition of the story? Discuss the setting, characters, and basic situation of the story.

3. How are the events that ruin Ivan Aksyonof’s life foreshadowed early in the story? (p. 124)

4. Why would Ivan have no concerns about sharing an inn room with adjoining rooms with the other merchant?

5. After Ivan leaves the inn, how does his behavior reveal that he’s an honest man?

6. After Ivan leaves the inn, how does his behavior reveal that he’s a guilty man?

7. Once Ivan is imprisoned, “Enquiries as to his character were made in Vladimir” (126). Explain if the information the authorities learned was helpful or hurtful to Ivan’s plight.

8. How important is it to have strong character?

9. Did Ivan’s wife respond appropriately? Defend your opinion with evidence.

10. “So you, too, suspect me! said Aksyonof, and hiding his face in his hands, he began to weep. Then a soldier came to say that the wife and children must go away; and Aksyonof said good-bye to his family for the last time” (127). Which would be more difficult to deal with: a literal death where a loved one dies suddenly or this type of death where a loved one is sent away for life?

11. Even though the story doesn’t explain what happened, what do you think the wife would do if she learned that her husband was innocent and that he would spend the rest of his life in prison for a crime he didn’t commit?

12. “It seems that only God can know the truth, it is to Him alone we must appeal, and from Him alone expect mercy” (127-128).” Can you explain how Ivan finds comfort in this?

13. “For twenty-six years Aksyonof lived as a convict in Siberia. His hair turned white as snow and his beard grew long, thin, and gray. All his mirth went; he

stooped; he walked slowly, spoke little, and never laughed, but he often prayed” (128). Ivan’s life is completely different in Siberia, and all these things have happened to his body and personality. What causes these changes?

14. If being falsely accused can destroy a person’s life, then what can a reader learn from this story?

15. When Makar Semyonitch arrives and eventually confesses to being the real killer, can you detect any sorrow or guilt in his words or tone of voice? What evidence supports your view?

16. The story says that other prisoners told Makar about Ivan’s innocence. Why didn’t Ivan tell Makar himself?

17. What would most people do if they learned that the man who killed their friend and who tried to kill them was in the same room?

18. Near the end of the story, Ivan “kept repeating prayers all night, but could get no peace” (131). What are possible reasons he can’t find his peace?

19. “I have no wish to escape, and you have no need to kill me; you killed me long ago” (131). At what point in the story did Ivan die in spirit?

20. What is the difference between grace and mercy, and which one does Ivan offer Makar in prison?

21. “And at these words his heart grew light, and the longing for home left him” (133). What causes Ivan to find his joy again? What causes him to feel peace?

22. Aksyonof dies before he leaves the prison. How did God see the truth and wait?

23. If you were falsely accused and sent to prison, what attitude do you think you would have?

24. Why did Leo Tolstoy write this story? What’s the point?

25. What are three positive things a reader can learn from this story?

26. Which is the most powerful: hatred, revenge, guilt, mercy, love, forgiveness, hope, or joy? Defend your answer.

27. If you could tell Ivan anything, what advice would you offer him?