Alyosha the Pot

"Alyosha the Pot" is a short story written by Leo Tolstoy (1905) about the life and death of a simple, uncomplaining worker.

It was published after Tolstoy's death in 1911 and received high praise from Tolstoy's contemporaries.

Without ever calling Alyosha a holy fool, Tolstoy centers the story on his meekness, aloofness, and foolishness. Alyosha's simple life, soft-spoken manner, and calm acceptance of death epitomizes Tolstoyan principles.