As we passed out to take our seats, other servants pressed…
![“As we passed out to take our seats, other servants pressed round us in the hall to say good-bye. Yet their requests to shake hands with us, their resounding kisses on our shoulders, [The fashion in which inferiors salute their superiors in Russia.] and the odour of their greasy heads only excited…” quote by Leo Tolstoy](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/cdb/leo-tolstoy-55_servants_as-we-passed-out-to-take-our-seats-other_2798021.png)
““As we passed out to take our seats, other servants pressed round us in the hall to say good-bye. Yet their requests to shake hands with us, their resounding kisses on our shoulders, [The fashion in which inferiors salute their superiors in Russia.] and the odour of their greasy heads only excited in me a feeling akin to impatience with these tiresome people. The same feeling made me bestow nothing more than a very cross kiss upon Natalia’s cap when she approached to take leave of me. It is strange that I should still retain a perfect recollection of these servants’ faces, and be able to draw them with””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Tolstoy describes his irritation with servile courtesies and the social hierarchy that forces him to endure them.
In simple terms: He feels impatient with servants' overly familiar gestures.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and manage personal biases toward social roles.
Themes
social class
irritation
hierarchy
personal bias
Mood
irritated
reflective
Type
literary
observational
When to use this quote
- court gatherings
- formal events
- personal interactions
- servant-master dynamics
Key Concepts
class consciousness
social etiquette
psychological reaction
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you respond to forced politeness?
- What does this reveal about your view of social status?
A Different Perspective
His reaction may reflect broader class prejudice, not just personal discomfort.