After the Ball

Summary

In the story «After the Ball», Leo Tolstoy recounts the tale of Ivan Vasilyevich, who reminisces about events from his youth. Ivan Vasilyevich was in love with Varenka B., the daughter of a colonel. At a ball, he danced with her and was captivated by her beauty and kindness. However, the next day, Ivan witnessed the brutal punishment of a soldier, carried out by Varenka's father. This event shocked Ivan and changed his perception of Varenka and her father. The story raises questions about moral values and the contradictions between a person's outward appearance and inner essence.