While reading the first few pages of Master and Man, the contrasting personalities of Nikita compared to Vassili were obvious. Vassili was a rich Merchant, who cares only for money. I believe his thoughts, and actions are not morally correct, or in any way ethical. I maintain the thought, that Vassili see’s religion as a way of stealing money, and raising his image amongst other people (pp. 63-65). My thoughts on Nikita are more complex, Nikita shows compassion for the horse Muckhorty, (p. 66), and he is respectful of other in his interactions with them. Nikita demonstrates that he may have an intelligence higher than others, as he sees through vasilli’s snake like way of speaking (pp. 64-65). One thing that bothered me throughout the book, was that Nikita understands the underhanded way Vassili treats him, and takes no action to try and better his position. While I believe that Nikita is not inherently a weak man, I will not say that he is a strong man, he is flawed in ways but is trying to get rid of those flaws, but he does not attempt to get paid what he is worth. this reminded me very much of the society we live in, Nikita is a rare man who understands his flaws and try to improve, while others like Vassili deal with others in an extremely unethical way.
Vassili at the start of the book was so focused on making a profit that he was ignorant to the danger the storm posed to himself, and Nikita. As I continued reading, I saw the gradual development of Vassili’s thought process. He slowly realized the danger he was in, and came to the understanding that wealth, and power are of no use when faced with terror. These thoughts that Vassili had imprinted in me the thought that, when people are faced with death they care not for their treasures, or achievements (pp. 107-108). They think about the stuff that truly matters to them, when all the insignificant thoughts, or prides are stripped away.
VasSili’s final act of the story, saving Nikita from the deadly cold, with his own life warmth (p. 106), left me wondering. If someone is close to death, do most feel at peace with the life they had like I believe vassili did, or do they feel their life was left unfulfilled. When people are faced with an inescapable situation, what they do will give you a deep look into who they are. Tolstoy did a very good job, of showing that people who have lived a life with little morality, are almost never beyond redemption for their actions.
The book itself was not the longest, or most interesting read, but it had very deep, and thought provoking ideas, if you look deeply enough. The book helped me understand that though someone may have many flaws, there is always a chance to redeem themselves, even with just one action.