Overview

"Three Questions" is a short story by Leo Tolstoy (Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy), originally written in Russian and first published in 1903 in What Men Live By, and Other Tales. The NIOS textbook uses the Maudes' English translation. It is a parable — a didactic tale with human characters illustrating moral lessons.

A King seeks answers to three questions: the right time to begin everything, whom to listen to, and the most important thing to do — believing this will make him undefeatable. Ministers and learned men fail him; he visits a renowned hermit in disguise. Through digging, tending a wounded enemy, and the hermit's final explanation, the King learns that only the present matters, the person before you is most necessary, and doing good is life's purpose.

Learning Outcomes (Module 9)

• Recognises the underlying messages of a literary text.
• Analyses the genre of short story as a literary text by close reading and interpreting possible meanings.
• Constructs conclusions through discussion and critical thinking.
• Recommends the habit of depending on the present rather than groping over the past or unnecessary hankering after the future.

Section 9.1: The King's Three Questions (9.1)

It once occurred to a certain king that if he always knew the right time to begin everything; if he knew who were the right people to listen to, and whom to avoid; and, above all, if he always knew what was the most important thing to do, he would never fail in anything he might undertake. This thought having occurred to him, he had it proclaimed (announced) throughout his kingdom that he would give a great reward to anyone who would tell him what was the right time for every action, who were the most necessary people, and how he might know what was the most important thing to do.

The King had three questions in his mind and believed that if he knew the answers, he could not be conquered by anyone in the world. Those three questions were: (1) What is the right time to begin something? (2) Whom should he listen to? (3) What is the most important work to do? He also announced a reward for anyone who would give a satisfactory answer.

Section 9.2: Unsatisfactory Answers from Learned Men (9.2)

Many learned men came, but all answered differently. For the first question: some advised a strict timetable of days, months and years; others said avoid idle pastimes and attend to present needs; others recommended a Council of Wise Men; still others said consult magicians who alone can predict the future. For the second question: councillors, priests, doctors, or warriors — each group was named most necessary. For the third question: science, skill in warfare, or religious worship. The King agreed with none and gave no reward. He finally decided to consult a hermit (a person living in solitude as a religious discipline), widely renowned for his wisdom.

Section 9.3: The King Visits the Hermit (9.3)

The hermit lived in a wood which he never quitted, and he received none but common folk. So the King put on simple clothes, and before reaching the hermit's cell dismounted (got off) from his horse, and, leaving his bodyguard behind, went on alone. When the King approached, the hermit was digging the ground in front of his hut. Seeing the King, he greeted him and went on digging. The hermit was frail (weak), and each time he stuck his spade into the ground and turned a little earth, he breathed heavily.

The King went up to him and said: "I have come to you, wise hermit, to ask you to answer three questions: How can I learn to do the right thing at the right time? Who are the people I most need, and to whom should I, therefore, pay more attention than to the rest? And, what affairs are the most important and need my first attention?"

The hermit listened but answered nothing — he spat on his hand and recommenced (began again) digging. The King offered to take the spade; the hermit thanked him and sat down. After two beds were dug, the King repeated his questions. The hermit asked for the spade back so the King could rest, but the King refused and kept digging. Hours passed; the sun sank. The King stuck the spade in the ground and said he would leave if no answer came. "Here comes someone running," said the hermit.

Section 9.4: The Wounded Bearded Man (9.4)

The King turned round and saw a bearded man come running out of the wood. The man held his hands pressed against his stomach, and blood was flowing from under them. When he reached the King, he fell fainting on the ground moaning feebly. The King and the hermit unfastened the man's clothing. There was a large wound in his stomach. The King washed it as best he could, and bandaged it with his handkerchief and with a towel the hermit had. Again and again the King washed and rebandaged the wound. At last the man revived and asked for something to drink. The King brought fresh water and gave it to him. Meanwhile the sun had set, and it had become cool. So the King, with the hermit's help, carried the wounded man into the hut and laid him on the bed. Lying on the bed the man closed his eyes and was quiet; but the King was so tired with his walk and with the work he had done, that he crouched (squatted) down on the threshold, and also fell asleep — so soundly that he slept all through the short summer night.

At dawn the bearded man gazed intently (with eager attention) at the waking King and begged forgiveness. He revealed himself as the King's enemy — his brother had been executed and his property seized. He had planned to ambush the King on his return from the hermit, but when the King did not return, he left his ambush (hiding place for surprise attack), was recognised by bodyguards, and wounded. The King had saved his life. He offered faithful service for himself and his sons. The King forgave him gladly, promised to send servants and his physician, and to restore his property.

Section 9.5: The Hermit's Final Answers (9.5)

Having taken leave of the wounded man, the King went out into the porch (front of the entrance of a building) and looked around for the hermit. Before going away he wished once more to beg an answer to the questions he had put. The hermit was outside, on his knees, sowing seeds in the beds that had been dug the day before. The King approached him and said, "For the last time, I pray you to answer my questions, wise man." "You have already been answered!" said the hermit, still crouching on his thin legs and looking up at the King, who stood before him. "How answered? What do you mean?" asked the King.

"Do you not see," replied the hermit. "If you had not pitied my weakness yesterday, and had not dug these beds for me, but had gone your way, that man would have attacked you, and you would have repented of not having stayed with me. So the most important time was when you were digging the beds; and I was the most important man; and to do me good was your most important business. Afterwards, when that man ran to us, the most important time was when you were attending to him, for if you had not bound up his wounds he would have died without having made peace with you. So he was the most important man, and what you did for him was your most important business."

The hermit's moral: "There is only one time that is important — now! It is the only time when we have any power. The most necessary man is he with whom you are. The most important thing is to do good — for that purpose alone was man sent into this life!" The King was satisfied and happy.

Character Sketches (Textbook)

The King

Values wisdom; seeks learned men then the hermit. Tends the wounded enemy, forgives him, and promises to restore property. Evolves from external seeker to enlightened, compassionate leader.

The Hermit

Wise, humble, lives simply. Teaches through action — digging, helping — then explains the present-moment lesson. Symbolises wisdom, selflessness, and deep understanding of human nature.

The Bearded Man

Initially the King's revenge-driven enemy. After being saved, he repents and offers faithful service. His transformation shows redemption through unexpected kindness over vengeance.

Key Themes and What You Have Learnt

• Focus should be on the tasks at hand rather than dwelling on the past or worrying excessively about the future.
• The importance of being present for others in times of need.
• The significance of being compassionate and helpful to others, and practising forgiveness and kindness in everyday actions.
• Reflects the idea that people can change; deeply ingrained enmity can be overcome when faced with unexpected acts of kindness and compassion.

Do You Know

• This short story is originally written in Russian.
• It was first published in Tolstoy's short story anthology What Men Live By, and Other Tales in 1903.
• The English translation is done by the Maudes.
• This short story is categorised as a parable — a succinct, didactic story that illustrates instructive lessons or principles.
• Whereas fables employ animals, plants, inanimate objects, or forces of nature as characters, parables have human characters.
• Leo Tolstoy's original name is Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy.

Summary

A King seeks answers to three questions — when is the right time for every action, who are the most necessary people, and what is the most important thing to do — believing this knowledge will make him undefeatable. Learned men give conflicting answers (timetables, councils, magicians, councillors, priests, doctors, warriors, science, warfare, worship), so the King visits a wise hermit in disguise. The hermit keeps digging and does not answer verbally; the King helps him dig. A wounded bearded man arrives — the King's enemy who had planned to ambush him but was wounded by bodyguards. The King and hermit save his life; the enemy repents and offers lifelong service. The King forgives him and promises to restore his property. When the King asks again, the hermit explains he was already answered: the only important time is now; the most necessary person is whoever you are with; the most important thing is to do good. Tolstoy's parable teaches living in the present with compassion and forgiveness.