The Forged Coupon

Summary

«The Forged Coupon» is a novella by Leo Tolstoy that tells the story of how the forgery of a single coupon leads to a chain of tragic events. A young student named Mitya, in an attempt to settle his debts, forges a coupon worth
1.5 rubles. This coupon ends up with a shopkeeper who, upon discovering the forgery, decides to use it to deceive others. The coupon passes through many hands, leading to deceit, theft, and even murder. Ultimately, all participants in this chain face consequences, and the main character realizes his mistakes and repents. The novella illustrates how one seemingly insignificant crime can lead to serious consequences and ruin the lives of many people.

Main Ideas

• The impact of a single action on the lives of many people
• The moral responsibility of each individual for their actions
• Social injustice and its consequences
• The destructive power of money and material values
• The possibility of spiritual rebirth and redemption

Historical Context and Significance

«The Forged Coupon» by Leo Tolstoy is a novella written in 1904 that explores themes of moral decay and social inequality. At the heart of the plot is the story of how a forged coupon, passed from hand to hand, leads to a chain of tragic events. Tolstoy demonstrates how a small evil can grow and affect many people, highlighting the interconnectedness of human actions. The novella critically examines social and economic structures, emphasizing the need for moral improvement and social justice. Its cultural impact lies in its profound moral message and critique of social vices, making it relevant even in contemporary society.

Main Characters and Their Development

• Mitya (Dmitry) - the son of an official who forges the coupon to obtain money. His action sets off a chain of events affecting many people.
• Makhin - a student who uses the forged coupon to pay off a debt. His actions lead to the further spread of the counterfeit coupon.
• Yevgeny Mikhailovich - a merchant who receives the forged coupon and passes it on, unaware of its falsity.
• Marya Semyonovna - Yevgeny Mikhailovich's wife, who suffers due to the consequences of using the forged coupon.
• Stepan Pelageyevich - a peasant who receives the forged coupon and becomes a victim of deception.
• Alexey Ivanovich - a policeman investigating the forged coupon case, who faces moral dilemmas.

Style and Technique

In «The Forged Coupon», Leo Tolstoy employs a realistic style characterized by attention to detail and a commitment to truthful depiction of life. The language of the work is simple and accessible, allowing for the conveyance of deep philosophical and moral ideas. Tolstoy uses literary devices such as symbolism and allegory to emphasize themes of sin, redemption, and the impact of a single action on many lives. The narrative structure is fragmented, consisting of several interconnected episodes that illustrate the chain of events triggered by one forged coupon. This allows the author to demonstrate how a minor deceit can lead to serious consequences for different people.

Interesting Facts

• The book consists of two parts, each showing the consequences of the same event from different perspectives.
• The work touches on themes of morality, religion, and social justice.
• Tolstoy uses the forged coupon as a symbol to show how a small evil can lead to a chain of tragic events.
• The book was written in the last years of Tolstoy's life and reflects his philosophical views on good and evil.
• The work was banned in Russia until 1917 due to its criticism of the social and religious system.

Book Review

«The Forged Coupon» by Leo Tolstoy is a profound and multilayered work that explores the nature of evil and its consequences in human society. Critics note that Tolstoy masterfully illustrates how a seemingly minor crime, like forging a coupon, can lead to a chain of tragic events affecting the lives of many people. The work presents the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by the characters and emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and spiritual growth. Tolstoy uses simple yet powerful images and symbols to convey his ideas, making «The Forged Coupon» relevant even today. Critics also highlight that the book is a vivid example of Tolstoy's later work, in which he continues to develop his philosophical and religious views.