“Three Questions” Long Questions and Answers (L.A.Q) by Leo Tolstoy, Class XII, WBCHSE

Three Questions by Leo Tolstoy

Three Questions Long Questions and Answers

Three Questions LAQ

(1) What were the questions that the Tsar wanted to be answered? Why did he need the answer? Why was he dissatisfied with the answers given by the scholars and learned men? [3+1+2] [HS 2020]

Ans. In Leo Tolstoy’s short story “Three Questions,” the Tsar had three questions that he wanted to be answered:

1. What is the right time to begin every action?
2. Who are the right people to listen to, and whom should one avoid
3. What is the most important thing to do?

The Tsar desired the answers to these questions because he believed that if he knew them, he would always be able to act wisely, avoid mistakes, and be successful in his endeavors.

He was dissatisfied with the answers given by the scholars and learned men because they offered different opinions, causing confusion rather than clarity.

(2) What were the questions that had occurred to the Tsar? Why did he need correct answers to those questions? What did he do when he was not satisfied with the answers of the learned men? [3+1+2] [HS 2016]

Ans. [For first two parts see answer to the Question No.1.]

When the Tsar was dissatisfied with the answers provided by the learned men, he decided to consult a hermit who was known for his wisdom.

(3) “All the answers being different, the Tsar agreed none of them.” – What were the questions to which the Tsar got different answers? Whom did the Tsar decide to consult when he was not satisfied? Where did the person live whom the Tsar decided to consult? What was he famous for? [3+1+1+1] [HS 2018, 2022]

Ans. In Leo Tolstoy’s short story “Three Questions,” the questions to which the Tsar received different answers from the learned men are:

1. What is the right time to begin everything?
2. Who are the right people to listen to, and whom should one avoid?
3. What is the most important thing to do?

When the Tsar was dissatisfied with the varying answers he received from the learned men, he decided to consult a hermit.

The hermit lived in a wood.

The hermit was famous for his wisdom and spiritual insight.

(4) How was the wounded man revived and nursed? Why did he ask forgiveness of the Tsar? What did the Tsar do when he had gained the man for a friend? [2+2+2] [HS 2019, 2022]

Ans. n Tolstoy’s short story “Three Questions,” the wounded man was revived and nursed by the hermit and the Tsar. After attending to the wounded man’s immediate needs, the hermit and the Tsar worked together to provide him with care and support. They tended to his wounds, offered him food and water, and provided a place for him to rest and recover.

The wounded man had previously been one of the Tsar’s enemies and he wanted to take revenge by killing the Tsar. But the man wan was revived and cured by the Tsar. This act of kindness changed the heart of the bearded man. He repented for his actions and asked for forgiveness.

When the Tsar had gained the man as a friend, he did something unexpected and selfless. He offered to send his servants and his own physician to attend to him. He also promised to give back his seized property.

(5) How did the Tsar nurse the wounded man? [6] [HS 2015]

Ans. In Leo Tolstoy’s “Three Questions” a wounded man came running out of the wood and fainted before the Tsar. With the help of the hermit, the Tsar unfastened the man’s clothing, and noticed a large wound in his stomach. The man was bleeding abundantly. He washed and bandaged the wound with his handkerchief and with the hermit’s towel. He kept removing the bandage whenever it was soaked with warm blood. Finally, the blood ceased flowing and the man revived. When the man asked for something to drink, he brought fresh water for him. The Tsar carried him into the hut and lay on the bed with the help of the hermit. In this way, the Tsar nursed the wounded man.

(6) Why did the bearded man become an enemy of the Tsar? What did the man swear and resolve to do? Why did he ask forgiveness of the Tsar and what did he promise him? [1+2+3] [HS 2017]

Ans. In Leo Tolstoy’s “Three Questions” the bearded man became an enemy of the Tsar because the Tsar executed his brother and seized his property.

The bearded man swore and resolved to kill the Tsar as an act of revenge.

The wounded man had previously been one of the Tsar’s enemies and he wanted to take revenge by killing the Tsar. But the man wan was revived and cured by the Tsar. This act of kindness changed the heart of the bearded man. He repented for his actions and asked for forgiveness.

The man promised to serve the Tsar as the most faithful slave and he would also employ his sons to do the same.

(7) “For the last time, I pray you, to answer my questions, wise man” – Who said this? Who was the wise man? When did the speaker say this? What was the answer? [1+1+1+3]

Ans. In Leo Tolstoy’s short story “Three Questions” the Tsar said this.

The hermit was the wise man.

The Tsar said this before leaving the hermit’s hut in the next morning.

The hermit replied that he had already been answered. He stated that the most important time was now, the most important person was someone who was with him then, and the most essential task was to do good for him.

(8) “You have already been answered,” said the hermit. – What were the hermit’s answers to the three questions asked by the Tsar? [6]

Ans. In Tolstoy’s short story “Three Questions,” when the Tsar pressed the hermit for answers to his three questions, the hermit replied, “You have already been answered.”

The hermit’s answers were:

1. The right time to begin everything is now. The hermit emphasized the importance of living in the present moment, as the past cannot be changed and the future is uncertain.
2. The right people to listen to and be with are those who are currently present. The hermit highlighted the significance of being fully present and attentive to those around us, valuing the relationships and connections we have in the present moment.
3. The most important thing to do is to help others in need. The hermit’s actions in attending to the wounded man demonstrated the value of selfless compassion and the fulfillment that comes from aiding others.

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