Herr und Knecht: Novelle

"Herr und Knecht: Novelle" by graf Leo Tolstoy is a novella written in the late 19th century. The story centers around Wasili Andrejitsch Brechunow, a merchant and tavern owner, and his servant Nikita as they undertake a journey during a festive winter day. The narrative explores themes of social hierarchy, human relationships, and the struggle between master and servant. At the start of the story, Wasili Andrejitsch prepares to leave for a nearby estate to finalize a purchase of a forest, while navigating the influences of a holiday celebration. His only sober servant, Nikita, who has vowed to stop drinking, serves as the focus of the opening portion, detailing his complex past, relationship with his wife, and dynamic with his master. As they set off, the narrative hints at both the physical and metaphorical journey they will embark on, revealing a blend of camaraderie, struggle, and the socio-economic realities of their lives in a snowstorm, establishing a rich foundation for the unfolding tale.