Master and Man

Use these activities to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity. 

Create an Epilogue for Brekhunov in “Master and Man”

In Part X, Tolstoy provides a short epilogue about Nikita, giving a brief summary of his years after the main events of the story. In this assignment, you will create a short epilogue about Brekhunov’s family after they learn the news of Brekhunov’s sacrifice.

• First, review how Tolstoy presents the characters of Brekhunov’s wife and his son, his heir, in Part I. Although there are very few moments dedicated to Brekhunov’s family, the integrity of these characters should be preserved in how you write the epilogue.
• Next, consider how both of these characters would react to the news of Brekhunov’s sacrifice. Use the following questions to guide your creative epilogue: Do you believe they would respond positively or negatively? How would they treat Nikita and his family upon his return to the Brekhunov estate? Would they be concerned with the inheritance Brekhunov has left to his son?
• Finally, compose your creative epilogue. Tolstoy dedicates six sentences, about one paragraph, to Nikita’s epilogue. You can use the same length, or more, for Brekhunov’s family.