“The Empty Drum” is a short story by Leo Tolstoy, first published in 1891. The story is based on a Russian folk tale, and it tells the story of a laborer and his wife who are treated unjustly by the king. The story has been analyzed and interpreted in various ways, and it is often considered an allegory that explores themes of power, control, and wisdom.
One of the most interesting aspects of “The Empty Drum” is the way it uses symbolism to convey its message. The empty drum, for example, could be seen as a symbol of power and control. When Emelyan bangs the drum, the soldiers follow him, and the king briefly loses power over his army. This suggests that power is not necessarily inherent in the person who holds it, but rather it is something that is given to them by others.
Another important theme in “The Empty Drum” is the idea of wisdom. Emelyan’s wife is portrayed as a wise woman who helps her husband to complete each task that the king sets for him. Her wisdom allows them to overcome the challenges that they face, and ultimately to live a happy life together. This suggests that wisdom is a valuable asset that can help people to overcome adversity and achieve their goals.
Origins of the Allegory
“The Empty Drum” is a short story by Leo Tolstoy published in 1891. The story is based on a folk tale that reflects the Russian peasant’s deep hatred of military service. According to Aylmer Maude, a famous Tolstoy translator, the story was originally written in 1887.
The allegory in “The Empty Drum” centers around the character Yemilyan, a worker who is known for his honesty and hard work. Yemilyan is tasked with building a cathedral opposite the palace in a single day. If he fails to complete the task, he will be executed. The story follows Yemilyan as he struggles to complete the task and the lessons he learns along the way.
The story is an allegory for the struggle between the individual and the state. Yemilyan represents the individual, while the state is represented by the palace and the officials who order him to complete the impossible task. The empty drum in the story represents the state’s power, which is based on fear and intimidation rather than substance.
Overall, “The Empty Drum” is a powerful allegory that continues to resonate with readers today. The story is a reminder of the importance of honesty, hard work, and standing up for what is right, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
Main Themes
Impermanence
One of the main themes in “The Empty Drum” is impermanence. The story highlights the fleeting nature of material possessions and the importance of valuing what really matters in life. Emelyan, the protagonist, learns this lesson when he realizes that the empty drum he has been carrying around is of no use to him. This theme is also reflected in the fact that the king’s wealth and power are ultimately meaningless in the face of death.
Enlightenment
Another theme in the story is enlightenment. Emelyan’s journey from ignorance to wisdom is a metaphor for the path to enlightenment. Through his experiences, he learns to let go of his attachment to material possessions and to find happiness in the simple things in life. This theme is also reflected in the story’s use of symbolism, such as the empty drum and the king’s crown, which represent the illusions of wealth and power.
Ignorance vs. Wisdom
The theme of ignorance vs. wisdom is also present in the story. Emelyan’s initial ignorance and attachment to material possessions lead him to carry around an empty drum, which he believes to be valuable. However, through his experiences, he gains wisdom and learns to see the world in a different way. This theme is also reflected in the contrast between the king’s ignorance and Emelyan’s wisdom, as the king is blinded by his attachment to wealth and power.
Symbols and Metaphors
The Empty Drum
In “The Empty Drum,” the drum is a symbol of the military and the empty sound it makes represents the emptiness and futility of war. The drum is also a metaphor for the government’s propaganda, which is often used to manipulate people into going to war.
The Sound
The sound of the empty drum is a symbol of the emptiness of war and the government’s propaganda. It represents the idea that war is often fought for no real reason and that the government uses propaganda to convince people that it is necessary.
Characters as Symbols
The characters in “The Empty Drum” can also be seen as symbols. Yemilyan represents the common people who are forced to fight in wars they do not believe in, while his wife represents the government’s propaganda machine. The fact that Yemilyan’s wife sends him off to work on the cathedral with nails and a hammer can be seen as a metaphor for the tools of war.
Overall, “The Empty Drum” is a powerful allegory that uses symbols and metaphors to convey the futility and emptiness of war. It is a reminder that war often serves no real purpose and that governments often use propaganda to manipulate people into fighting.
Interpretations and Analysis
Buddhist Perspective
The Empty Drum is an allegory that can be interpreted from a Buddhist perspective. The story is about a man who is content with his simple life until he is faced with the temptation of power and wealth. The man’s wife is desired by the king, and he is offered great riches and status in exchange for her. However, the man refuses the offer and chooses to live a simple life. This can be seen as an example of the Buddhist concept of non-attachment, where one is not attached to material possessions or desires.
Modern-Day Relevance
The Empty Drum is still relevant in modern times, as it highlights the dangers of corruption and the importance of staying true to one’s values. In today’s society, there are many examples of people who are tempted by power and wealth, and who are willing to compromise their morals to achieve success. The story serves as a reminder that true happiness cannot be found in material possessions or status, but rather in living a life of integrity and simplicity.
Overall, The Empty Drum is a powerful allegory that can be interpreted in many different ways. Whether viewed from a Buddhist perspective or in the context of modern-day society, the story serves as a reminder of the importance of staying true to one’s values and living a life of integrity and simplicity.
Literary Devices
Allegory
“The Empty Drum” is an allegory, a narrative with a deeper symbolic meaning. The story tells of a laborer and his wife who are treated unjustly by the king. The empty drum in the story represents the king’s power, which is only an illusion. The frog that the laborer avoids stepping on represents the common people, who are often overlooked and mistreated by those in power. The story is a commentary on the corrupt nature of authority and the need for justice.
Irony
Irony is used in “The Empty Drum” to highlight the absurdity of the situation. The king, who is supposed to be powerful, is actually powerless. The laborer, who is supposed to be weak, is actually strong. The empty drum, which is supposed to be full of power, is actually empty. The irony in the story serves to emphasize the theme of the story and to make the reader think about the true nature of power.
Paradox
A paradox is a statement that seems contradictory but is actually true. “The Empty Drum” contains several paradoxes. The king, who is supposed to be just, is actually unjust. The laborer, who is supposed to be poor, is actually rich. The empty drum, which is supposed to be full, is actually empty. The paradoxes in the story serve to emphasize the theme of the story and to make the reader think about the true nature of reality.
Influence on Culture and Literature
Influences on Eastern Philosophy
The Empty Drum has had a profound impact on Eastern philosophy, particularly in the realm of Taoism. The story’s emphasis on the importance of emptiness and the rejection of material possessions is a key tenet of Taoist thought. The concept of “wu wei,” or effortless action, is also present in the story, as the protagonist Emelyan achieves his goals without actively seeking them.
The story’s use of allegory has also influenced Eastern philosophy. The Empty Drum is a prime example of how allegory can be used to convey complex ideas in a simple and accessible way. This has been emulated in many other works of Eastern literature and philosophy.
Impact on Storytelling
The Empty Drum has had a significant impact on storytelling, particularly in the realm of fairy tales and fables. The story’s use of allegory and symbolism has been emulated in countless other works of literature, including Aesop’s Fables and the Grimms’ Fairy Tales.
The story’s emphasis on the importance of humility and the rejection of material possessions has also been influential in literature. Many other stories, including Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, have used similar themes to convey moral lessons.
Overall, The Empty Drum has had a lasting impact on both Eastern philosophy and literature. Its use of allegory and symbolism has been emulated in countless other works, and its emphasis on the importance of humility and the rejection of material possessions continues to resonate with readers today.