Master and Man, a short story by Leo Tolstoy published in 1895, follows wealthy merchant Vasily Brekhunov and his obedient laborer Nikita as they journey through a blizzard to purchase land. Driven by greed and impatience, Vasily ignores warnings and leads them into the deadly storm, where they become hopelessly lost. As death approaches, Vasily undergoes a profound spiritual transformation, abandoning his selfishness. In a final act of grace, he sacrifices his own life by covering Nikita with his body, warming him through the freezing night. The story powerfully explores themes of greed, class, and redemption through selfless love.
