Leo Tolstoy’s “Too Dear” is a brilliant satirical story that appears in your 2nd PUC English syllabus. This too dear summary will help you understand the story’s plot, characters, themes, and literary devices – everything you need to excel in your board exams. The story presents a humorous critique of bureaucracy and rigid rule-following through the tale of a small kingdom’s struggle with one criminal. You’ll discover how Tolstoy uses irony and satire to expose the absurdity of maintaining expensive justice systems without considering practical consequences.
Table of Contents
Story Summary: The Plot of “Too Dear”
The Crime and the Problem
The story takes place in a tiny kingdom similar to Monaco. A man commits a crime – stealing from a fruit seller – and gets arrested. According to the kingdom’s law, he must be executed. This seems straightforward until the practical problems begin.
The kingdom faces a major issue: they don’t have an executioner. When they try to hire one, they discover the annual salary would cost more than their entire budget allows.
The Financial Dilemma
The kingdom’s officials calculate the costs:
Executioner’s Salary: More than the kingdom can afford annually Prison Maintenance: Feeding and guarding the criminal costs money daily Administrative Costs: Court proceedings and paperwork add extra expenses Alternative Solutions: Each option they consider creates new financial problems
The king and his ministers realize they’re spending more money on punishing one small crime than the original theft was worth.
Failed Solutions
The kingdom tries several approaches:
Hiring a Part-Time Executioner: They consider finding someone who could execute criminals occasionally while doing other work.
Borrowing an Executioner: They explore hiring executioners from neighboring countries when needed.
Changing the Punishment: They debate switching from execution to life imprisonment.
Exile: They consider banishing the criminal instead of executing him.
Each solution creates new problems and expenses, making the situation more absurd.
The Final Resolution
After much debate and calculation, the kingdom reaches a practical decision. They realize the most economical solution is to give the criminal a small pension and exile him from the kingdom. This costs less than execution, imprisonment, or maintaining the complex legal machinery needed for other punishments.
The criminal accepts this arrangement and leaves the kingdom with his pension, solving everyone’s problems at minimal cost.
Character Analysis for 2nd PUC Students
The Criminal
The criminal represents an ordinary person caught in bureaucratic machinery:
- He commits a minor crime (theft)
- He accepts his fate without resistance
- He becomes a burden the state cannot afford to punish properly
- His existence highlights the absurdity of expensive justice systems
- He symbolizes how individuals can be trapped by systems larger than themselves
The King
The king embodies leadership struggling with practical constraints:
- He wants to uphold the law and maintain order
- He faces the reality of limited resources
- He must balance principles with practical considerations
- He represents authority figures who must make difficult decisions
- His character shows the tension between idealism and realism
The Ministers and Officials
The government officials represent bureaucratic thinking:
- They follow rules without considering consequences
- They create complex solutions to simple problems
- They represent institutional rigidity
- They show how bureaucracy can become an end in itself
- They highlight the gap between theory and practice
The Citizens
The people of the kingdom represent public opinion:
- They want justice but also practical solutions
- They show common sense versus legal formalism
- They represent democratic voice in governance
- They influence governmental decisions through their reactions
- They embody collective wisdom
Major Themes in “Too Dear”
Bureaucratic Absurdity
Tolstoy criticizes how bureaucratic systems can become counterproductive:
- Rules applied without considering circumstances
- Expensive procedures that serve no practical purpose
- Institutional inflexibility that creates problems
- Administrative waste that consumes resources unnecessarily
Economic Realities vs. Idealistic Principles
The story explores the tension between what should be done and what can be afforded:
- Justice systems require significant resources to operate
- Small jurisdictions face unique challenges
- Economic efficiency sometimes conflicts with legal principles
- Practical solutions may serve justice better than theoretical ideals
Common Sense vs. Rigid Rule-Following
Tolstoy advocates for flexibility and practical wisdom:
- Absolute adherence to rules can lead to absurd outcomes
- Moral principles must be balanced against practical considerations
- Flexibility often serves the spirit of law better than rigid enforcement
- Community wisdom should inform decision-making
Satire and Social Commentary
The story uses humor to critique serious social issues:
- Exaggeration reveals flaws in governmental systems
- Irony exposes the contradiction between intention and result
- Humor makes social criticism more accessible
- Satirical approach allows readers to draw their own conclusions
Literary Devices and Techniques
Satire
Tolstoy employs satirical techniques throughout the story:
Exaggeration: The kingdom’s tiny size amplifies the absurdity of maintaining complex governmental systems.
Irony: The situation where punishing a criminal becomes more expensive than the crime itself creates dramatic irony.
Reduction to Absurdity: Taking logical principles to extreme conclusions reveals their flaws.
Contrast: Serious legal proceedings applied to trivial circumstances create humor.
Symbolism
Key symbols in the story:
The Criminal: Represents individuals trapped by systems beyond their control.
The Kingdom: Symbolizes any small organization or community trying to maintain complex systems.
The Executioner: Represents expensive solutions that may not be necessary.
The Pension: Symbolizes practical compromise over rigid principle.
Narrative Structure
The story follows a clear progression:
- Problem introduction (the crime)
- Complication (the cost of punishment)
- Rising action (failed solutions)
- Climax (recognition of absurdity)
- Resolution (practical compromise)
This structure helps students understand cause-and-effect relationships and logical progression.
Important Quotes for 2nd PUC Exams
Key Passages to Remember
Opening Context: “The kingdom was very small, and the King was very economical.”
The Central Problem: “It would cost more to execute the criminal than the value of what he had stolen.”
The Resolution: “The most economical solution was to give him a pension and send him away.”
The Moral: “Sometimes the most practical solution is the most just.”
Analysis Points for These Quotes
These quotes demonstrate:
- The story’s focus on economic considerations
- The irony of expensive justice for minor crimes
- The wisdom of practical compromise
- The theme of common sense over rigid rules
Students should be able to explain how these quotes support the story’s main themes and satirical purpose.
Contextual Background for Students
About Leo Tolstoy
Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) was a Russian writer famous for novels like “War and Peace” and “Anna Karenina.” He wrote “Too Dear” in 1897 during his later period when he focused on moral and social issues.
Key facts about Tolstoy:
- Born into Russian nobility but criticized social inequality
- Developed strong moral and philosophical views
- Wrote both long novels and short satirical stories
- Believed in practical wisdom over theoretical knowledge
- Used literature to promote social reform
Historical Context
The story was inspired by real events in Monaco, where the small size created unique challenges for law enforcement. In the 19th century, many small European states faced similar problems maintaining expensive governmental systems.
This context helps students understand why Tolstoy chose this setting and how it relates to broader questions about governance and justice.
Why This Story Matters Today
“Too Dear” remains relevant because it addresses timeless issues:
- Government efficiency and budget constraints
- Balance between ideals and practical limitations
- Cost-effectiveness in justice systems
- Community problem-solving approaches
Understanding these connections helps students appreciate literature’s ongoing relevance.
Exam Preparation: Expected Questions
Short Answer Questions (2-3 marks)
Character-based Questions:
- Describe the criminal’s character and his role in the story
- Explain the king’s dilemma in “Too Dear”
- What do the ministers represent in the story?
Plot-based Questions:
- Summarize the main problem faced by the kingdom
- How is the conflict resolved in “Too Dear”?
- What solutions does the kingdom consider before reaching the final decision?
Theme-based Questions:
- Identify the main theme of “Too Dear”
- How does Tolstoy use satire in the story?
- What message does the story convey about bureaucracy?
Long Answer Questions (5-6 marks)
Analytical Questions:
- Analyze the satirical elements in “Too Dear”
- Discuss the conflict between idealism and realism in the story
- Explain how the story critiques bureaucratic systems
- Compare the different solutions proposed in the story
Critical Thinking Questions:
- Evaluate the final solution chosen by the kingdom
- Discuss the relevance of “Too Dear” to modern society
- Analyze the role of economic considerations in the story
- Examine the relationship between justice and practicality
Essay Questions (8-10 marks)
Comprehensive Analysis:
- Write a detailed analysis of the themes in “Too Dear”
- Discuss Tolstoy’s use of satirical techniques in the story
- Analyze the character development and their symbolic significance
- Evaluate the story’s critique of governmental systems
For additional practice with literary analysis, students can explore other prescribed texts in the 2nd PUC syllabus to strengthen their analytical skills.
Sample Answer Framework
How to Structure Your Answers
Introduction:
- State the main point clearly
- Mention the author and story title
- Preview your main arguments
Body Paragraphs:
- Use specific examples from the text
- Explain the significance of each example
- Connect examples to broader themes
- Show cause-and-effect relationships
Conclusion:
- Summarize your main points
- Restate the significance
- Connect to larger literary or social contexts
Writing Tips for Better Grades
Use Active Voice: Write “Tolstoy criticizes bureaucracy” instead of “Bureaucracy is criticized by Tolstoy.”
Include Specific Examples: Reference particular incidents, characters, or quotes from the story.
Show Analysis: Don’t just summarize – explain why events happen and what they mean.
Connect Ideas: Link different parts of the story to show comprehensive understanding.
Write Clearly: Use simple, direct sentences that communicate your ideas effectively.
Comparative Analysis with Other Syllabus Stories
Similarities with Other Satirical Works
“Too Dear” shares characteristics with other satirical stories in your syllabus:
| Element | Too Dear | Other Satirical Stories |
|---|---|---|
| Target of Satire | Bureaucracy | Varies by story |
| Method | Exaggeration | Multiple techniques |
| Tone | Gentle humor | Ranges widely |
| Message | Practical wisdom | Depends on context |
| Resolution | Compromise | Varies significantly |
Contrasts with Serious Literature
Understanding how “Too Dear” differs from serious literary works helps students appreciate different literary approaches:
Tone: Humorous vs. serious or tragic Purpose: Entertainment with message vs. pure artistic expression Technique: Satirical exaggeration vs. realistic portrayal Character Development: Symbolic vs. psychological depth
Learning from Comparisons
These comparisons help students:
- Understand different literary genres and their purposes
- Recognize various satirical techniques
- Appreciate the versatility of literary expression
- Develop critical thinking skills for literary analysis
Study Tips for 2nd PUC Students
Reading Strategies
First Reading: Focus on understanding the basic plot and characters.
Second Reading: Look for themes, symbols, and literary devices.
Third Reading: Analyze specific passages and prepare quotes for exams.
Note-Taking: Create summary notes for each major element (plot, characters, themes, devices).
Memory Techniques
Character Maps: Create visual diagrams showing character relationships and roles.
Theme Charts: List major themes with supporting examples from the text.
Quote Cards: Write important quotes on index cards with explanations.
Timeline: Create a sequence of events to remember the plot clearly.
Practice Exercises
Summary Writing: Practice writing concise summaries of different story sections.
Character Analysis: Write brief character descriptions focusing on their roles and significance.
Theme Identification: List themes and find supporting evidence from the text.
Question Practice: Answer sample questions under timed conditions.
Modern Relevance for Young Readers
Contemporary Applications
The story’s themes connect to current issues students can relate to:
School Bureaucracy: Complex rules that sometimes create more problems than they solve.
Family Decisions: Balancing ideals with practical constraints in family situations.
Social Media: How rigid policies can lead to absurd outcomes online.
Environmental Issues: Expensive solutions that may not be the most effective.
Life Lessons from “Too Dear”
Students can apply the story’s wisdom to their own lives:
Practical Problem-Solving: Sometimes the simplest solution is the best solution.
Flexible Thinking: Rigid adherence to rules can create unnecessary problems.
Cost-Benefit Analysis: Consider whether the effort required matches the desired outcome.
Community Cooperation: Working together often produces better results than individual efforts.
Creative Solutions: Think outside conventional approaches when facing challenges.
Key Takeaways for Exam Success
Understanding “Too Dear” requires mastering these essential points:
Plot Understanding: Know the sequence of events and why each solution fails.
Character Analysis: Understand what each character represents beyond their literal role.
Theme Recognition: Identify the main themes and explain them with specific examples.
Literary Devices: Recognize satirical techniques and explain their effectiveness.
Contemporary Relevance: Connect the story’s themes to modern situations and issues.
Critical Thinking: Evaluate the solutions proposed and the final resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main conflict in “Too Dear”?
The main conflict is between the kingdom’s desire to follow the law (executing the criminal) and their practical inability to afford the cost of execution. This creates a situation where upholding justice becomes economically impossible.
Why does Tolstoy use a small kingdom as the setting?
The small kingdom amplifies the absurdity of maintaining expensive governmental systems. In a tiny state, the disproportion between crime and punishment costs becomes ridiculous, making Tolstoy’s satirical point more effective.
What does the criminal represent in the story?
The criminal represents ordinary individuals who become trapped in bureaucratic systems beyond their control. He also symbolizes how people can become burdens that institutions cannot afford to handle properly.
How does the story end and why is this significant?
The story ends with the kingdom giving the criminal a pension and exiling him. This solution is significant because it represents practical compromise over rigid principle – solving the problem economically while maintaining the appearance of justice.
What literary techniques make “Too Dear” effective as satire?
Tolstoy uses exaggeration, irony, reduction to absurdity, and contrast to create effective satire. The story’s simple prose style and clear structure also contribute to its satirical impact.
Conclusion
“Too Dear” stands as an excellent example of how literature can address serious social issues through humor and satire. For 2nd PUC students, this story offers valuable lessons about practical wisdom, flexible thinking, and the importance of balancing ideals with reality.
The too dear summary demonstrates Tolstoy’s skill in using a simple narrative to illuminate complex social and political issues. Your understanding of this story will help you appreciate how great writers use literary techniques to critique society while entertaining readers.
As you prepare for your exams, remember that “Too Dear” is more than just a humorous story – it’s a thoughtful commentary on human nature, governmental systems, and the wisdom of practical compromise. Master these concepts, and you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any question about this fascinating tale.
Ready to explore more of your 2nd PUC syllabus? Practice analyzing other prescribed texts using the same techniques you’ve learned here, and you’ll develop the analytical skills needed for excellent exam performance.
