Leo Tolstoy

Name: The Power of Darkness — Act V
Author: Leo Tolstoy

The Power of Darkness — Act V (c/1919)

Summary

“The Power of Darkness — Act V”, published in c/1919, is a work by Leo Tolstoy. It explores elements such as Marína, NIKÍTA and blessing.

Quotes from The Power of Darkness — Act V (Leo Tolstoy)

Leo Tolstoy, The Power of Darkness — Act V (c/1919)

“ I'm not drunk! Today even drink takes no hold on me! I'm devoured by misery! Misery is eating me up completely, so that I care for nothing! Oh little Marína, it's only with you I ever lived! Do you remember how we used to while away the nights together at the railway?
MARÍNA. Don't you rub the sores, Nikíta! I'm bound legally now, and you too. My sin has been forgiven, don't disturb...
NIKÍTA. What shall I do with my heart? Where am I to turn to?
MARÍNA. What's there to be done? You've got a wife. Don't go looking at others, but keep to your own! You loved Anísya, then go on loving her! ”

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Source: Wikisource

Leo Tolstoy, The Power of Darkness — Act V (c/1919)

“ Enter MATRYÓNA. NIKÍTA sees his mother, takes the rope off his neck, and again lies down in the straw.
MATRYÓNA (comes in hurriedly) . Nikíta! Nikíta, I say! He don't even answer! Nikíta, what's the matter? Have you had a drop too much? Come, Nikíta dear; come, honey! The people are tired of waiting.
NIKÍTA. Oh dear, what have you done with me? I'm a lost man!
MATRYÓNA. But what is the matter then? Come, my own; come, give them your blessing, as is proper and honorable, and then it'll all be over! Why, the people are waiting!
NIKÍTA. How can I give blessings? ”

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Source: Wikisource

Leo Tolstoy, The Power of Darkness — Act V (c/1919)

“ I'm not discontented with my life. The old man is quiet, and is fond of me, and I keep his children clothed and washed! He is really kind to me. Why should I complain? It seems God willed it so. And what's the matter with your life? You are rich....
NIKÍTA. My life!... It's only that I don't wish to disturb the wedding feast, or I'd take this rope here (takes hold of the rope on the straw) and throw it across that rafter there. Then I'd make a noose and stretch it out, and I'd climb on to that rafter and jump down with my head in the noose! That's what my life is!
MARÍNA. That's enough! ”

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Source: Wikisource

Leo Tolstoy, The Power of Darkness — Act V (c/1919)

“ Why should one mind them--such muck as they are! "Here you are," I say; that's me. A priest told me, the devil's the biggest bragger! "As soon," says he, "as you begin to brag, you get frightened; and as soon as you fear men then the hoofed one just collars you and pushes you where he likes!" But as I don't fear men, I'm easy! I can spit in the devil's beard, and at the sow his mother! He can't do me no harm! There, put that in your pipe!
NIKÍTA (crossing himself) . True enough! What was I about?
Throws down the rope.
MÍTRITCH. What?
NIKÍTA (rises) . You tell me not to fear men? ”

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Source: Wikisource

Leo Tolstoy, The Power of Darkness — Act V (c/1919)

“ There's plenty of time for our business.
MARÍNA'S husband puts his arm around her, and goes reeling out with her.
NIKÍTA (rises and sits down on the straw) . Ah, now that I've seen her, life seems more sickening than ever! It was only with her that I ever really lived! I've ruined my life for nothing! I've done for myself! (Lies down.) Where can I go? If mother earth would but open and swallow me!
NAN (sees NIKÍTA, and runs towards him) . Daddy, I say, daddy! They're looking for you! Her godfather and all of them have already blessed her. Truly they have, they're getting cross! ”

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Source: Wikisource

Leo Tolstoy, The Power of Darkness — Act V (c/1919)

“ MÍTRITCH. Why fear such muck as they are? You look at 'em in the bath-house! All made of one paste! One has a bigger belly, another a smaller; that's all the difference there is! Fancy being afraid of 'em! ”

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Source: Wikisource

Leo Tolstoy, The Power of Darkness — Act V (c/1919)

“ He listens to the young bird, but wouldn't listen to the old one! He would not hear me, but he follows his wife at once! (MATRYÓNA and ANÍSYA turn to go.) Well, are you coming?
NIKÍTA. I'll come directly! You go and I'll follow! I'll come and give my blessing! (The women stop.) Go on! I'll follow! Now then, go! (Exit women. Sits down and takes his boots off.) Yes, I'm going! A likely thing! No, you'd better look at the rafter for me! I'll fix the noose and jump with it from the rafter, then you can look for me! And the rope is here just handy. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Leo Tolstoy, The Power of Darkness — Act V (c/1919)

“ NIKÍTA. Ah! Better so! I'm coming!
Goes towards yard.
SCENE II Interior of hut, full of people, some sitting round tables and others standing. In the front corner AKOULÍNA and the BRIDEGROOM. On one of the tables an Icon and a loaf of rye-bread. Among the visitors are MARÍNA, her husband, and a POLICE OFFICER, also a HIRED DRIVER, the MATCHMAKER, and the BEST MAN. The women are singing. ANÍSYA carries round the drink. The singing stops.
THE DRIVER. If we are to go, let's go! The church ain't so near.
THE BEST MAN. All right; you wait a bit till the step-father has given his blessing. ”

Leo Tolstoy

Summary

Quotes from The Power of Darkness — Act V (Leo Tolstoy)

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