The Peasant’s Bread
Author: Leo Tolstoy
Class: XI (10+1) – General English
Book: A Panorama of Life
Part C: Lessons for Extensive Study
I. Short-Answer Questions
1. What was the peasant’s routine before breakfast?
The peasant went to plough early in the morning. He hid his bread under a bush, rested his horse when it became tired, and then went to eat his breakfast.
2. Who had stolen the peasant’s bread? Why?
An imp had stolen the bread. He wanted the peasant to lose his temper, swear, and call upon the Devil.
3. What was the reaction of the peasant when he could not find his breakfast?
The peasant was surprised and disappointed, but he remained calm. He thought that whoever had taken the bread might have needed it and wished them well.
4. Why was the imp upset to find the peasant calm?
The imp was upset because the peasant did not swear or become angry. Thus, the imp failed to tempt him into doing something wrong.
5. What was the threat given to the imp by his master, the Devil?
The Devil ordered the imp to succeed in tempting the peasant within three years. Otherwise, he threatened to have the imp thrown into holy water.
6. What advice did the imp give to the peasant in the first year?
The imp advised the peasant to sow corn in a low-lying, damp place.
7. What was the result of the imp’s advice?
The year was very dry, and the crops of other peasants failed. However, the peasant’s corn grew well, giving him enough grain for the year and plenty to spare.
8. What was the imp’s advice the second year?
The imp advised the peasant to sow corn on a hill.
9. What happened during the second year?
It was a wet summer, and other peasants’ crops were damaged. The peasant’s crop on the hill flourished, leaving him with even more surplus grain.
10. What did the imp teach the peasant to do with the excess grain he had?
The imp taught the peasant to crush the grain and make vodka. The peasant began drinking it himself and serving it to his friends.
11. What happened when the guests in the peasant’s house drank the first glass of vodka?
They became flattering and deceitful, praising one another and making dishonest speeches. The Devil was pleased to see them behaving like foxes.
12. What happened as they drank the second glass?
Their conversation became rough and angry. They started shouting and fighting, behaving like wolves.
13. What happened when the guests had their third glass?
They behaved like pigs, making strange noises and losing control of themselves. When leaving, they staggered about, and the host fell into water and mud.
14. What exactly had the imp done?
The imp had made sure that the peasant had more corn than he needed and taught him to make vodka from the surplus. Drinking brought out the worst qualities in the peasant and his guests.
15. How was the imp rewarded by his master?
The Devil praised the imp for succeeding where he had failed earlier. He forgave the imp’s previous mistake and gave him a position of high honour.
II. Long-Answer Questions
1. Describe the scene of the party going on at the peasant’s house.
The party at the peasant’s house shows how drinking changes people’s behaviour.
- A gathering of wealthy peasants: The peasant invited his wealthy friends and served them vodka. His wife carried the drinks to the guests.
- Anger towards his wife: When his wife accidentally spilled some vodka, the host scolded her angrily, showing that he valued the drink more than her feelings.
- Unkindness towards a poor man: A poor peasant entered after work and hoped for a drink, but the host refused to offer him any.
- The first glass: The guests began flattering one another and making dishonest speeches, behaving like foxes.
- The second glass: Their conversation became aggressive, and they began fighting like wolves.
- The third glass: They lost control, made strange noises, and staggered about like pigs. The host himself fell into muddy water.
Conclusion: The party reveals how excess drinking can destroy good manners, kindness, and self-control.
2. What made the Devil happy?
The Devil was pleased because the imp finally succeeded in corrupting the peasant and his friends.
- Initially, the peasant had remained calm even after losing his only piece of bread, disappointing the imp.
- The imp then helped the peasant grow more corn than he needed.
- He taught the peasant to make vodka from the surplus grain.
- The peasant began drinking and serving vodka to his friends.
- After drinking, the guests became deceitful, quarrelsome, and uncontrolled.
- The Devil saw that drinking had brought out the worst in them and believed that they would soon fall under his influence.
Conclusion: The Devil was happy because the imp had turned the peasant’s prosperity into a means of moral corruption.
3. Describe the effect of vodka on the peasant’s guests.
Vodka gradually changes the guests’ behaviour and brings out their worst qualities.
- After the first glass: They flatter one another and make dishonest speeches, behaving like cunning foxes.
- After the second glass: They become aggressive, shout at one another, and start fighting like fierce wolves.
- After the third glass: They lose their senses, make strange noises, and behave like pigs.
- Loss of dignity: The guests stagger while leaving, and the host falls into muddy water.
- Moral decline: Drinking destroys their self-control, good manners, and consideration for others.
Conclusion: The story portrays vodka as a means through which people lose their dignity and reveal their worst instincts.
4. What is the message contained in the story? Explain.
The story The Peasant’s Bread conveys the message that greed and the misuse of wealth can lead to moral decline.
- Contentment brings peace: When the peasant loses his only piece of bread, he accepts the loss calmly and wishes the person who took it well.
- Prosperity can bring temptation: The imp helps him produce more corn than he needs, creating an opportunity for excess.
- Misuse of resources: Instead of using the surplus wisely, the peasant makes vodka and begins drinking.
- Alcohol encourages harmful behaviour: The guests become deceitful, aggressive, and uncontrolled as they drink.
- Human weaknesses: The story suggests that selfishness and other harmful tendencies may remain controlled while people live simply, but excess and indulgence can bring them to the surface.
- Responsibility matters: Wealth and abundance should be managed wisely rather than used for harmful pleasures.
Conclusion: The story teaches that contentment, self-control, and responsible use of wealth are essential for a peaceful and dignified life.
5. Is wealth bad in itself? How can it destroy people? Give your views.
Wealth is not bad in itself. It can provide security, comfort, and opportunities, but its misuse can damage a person’s character and relationships.
- Wealth provides security: Money helps people meet their needs, educate their children, obtain healthcare, and support their families.
- Greed can develop: When people become obsessed with accumulating wealth, they may neglect honesty, kindness, and fairness.
- Excess can encourage harmful habits: As shown in the story, the peasant’s surplus grain becomes a source of trouble when he uses it to make vodka.
- Relationships may suffer: Wealth can make people proud, selfish, or indifferent to those who are less fortunate.
- Self-control is essential: People must use their resources wisely and avoid excessive indulgence.
- Wealth should benefit others: Helping the needy and contributing to society make wealth more meaningful.
Conclusion: Wealth itself is neither good nor bad; its value depends on how it is earned and used. Contentment, generosity, and self-discipline help prevent wealth from becoming destructive.