THREE QUESTIONS - Question Answer Class 12 ( 2 marks & 6 marks)
Here, you will find all the possible and important questions and answers from the story Three Questions by Leo Tolstoy, included in the WBBHSE New Syllabus 2025 for Semester IV of the Class 12 textbook. According to the exam guidelines, there will be 2-mark and 6-mark questions. This post is perfectly suited for your preparation.
Leo Tolstoy's 'Three Questions' Summary : (Let's see what's inside the story)
The story begins with a Tsar who is deeply concerned about ruling wisely. He believes that if he can find answers to three questions, he will never make a mistake in judgment. His three questions are:
- What is the right time to begin any work?
- Who are the most important people to listen to?
- What is the most important thing to do?
He asks many learned men, but they gave different answers. Some say the right time is to plan ahead, others say it depends on the situation. Some say the most important people are the advisors, others say priests or doctors. And for the most important task, some say science, others say warfare or worship. The Tsar is not satisfied with any of these answers.
So, he decides to visit a wise hermit who lives in the forest and is known for his wisdom. The hermit is old and weak, and he does not answer the Tsar’s questions directly. Instead, he continues digging the ground. The Tsar offers to help and spends the day digging with him.
Suddenly, a wounded man comes running out of the woods and collapses in front of them. He is bleeding heavily from a stomach wound. The Tsar quickly tends to him—he washes the wound, bandages it with his handkerchief and the hermit’s towel, and keeps rebandaging it until the bleeding stops. He brings water for the man and helps carry him into the hut with the hermit’s help.
Later, the wounded man wakes up and tells the Tsar that he is actually his enemy. He had planned to kill the Tsar but was wounded by the Tsar’s guards. Seeing the Tsar save his life, he feels ashamed and asks for forgiveness. The Tsar forgives him and promises to send his doctor and return the man’s property.
The next morning, the Tsar again asks the hermit for answers to his three questions. The hermit finally explains:
- The most important time is 'Now', because it is the only moment we can act.
- The most important person is 'the one you are with', because we never know who we may need or who may need us.
- The most important task is 'to do good', because that is why we are here.
Through these events—helping the hermit, saving the wounded man, and showing kindness—the Tsar learns the answers not through words, but through experience. The story ends with the Tsar becoming wiser and more compassionate, realizing that true leadership is about being present, caring for others, and doing good.
'Three Questions' Summary in Bengali :
Two Marks Questions Answers from 'Three Questions' :
What were the three questions of the Tsar?
Ans: The first question of the Tsar was what was the right time to begin anything. The second question of the Tsar was who were the right persons to listen to? and the third question of the Tsar was what was the most important thing to do?.
Why did the Tsar want to know the answers to his questions?
Ans: In the story "Three Question" by Leo Tolstoy, the Tsar wanted to know the answers to his three questions, what is the right time for every action, who is the most important person and what is the most important thing to do, because he would then never fail in anything he may undertake.
What did the Tsar proclaim throughout his Tsardom?
Ans: The Tsar had proclaimed throughout his Tsardom that he would give a great reward to anyone who would teach him what was the right time for every action, and who were the most necessary people, and how he might know what was the most important thing to do.
What did the wise men suggest to the Tsar in response to the first question?
Ans: In respond to the first question of what is the most important time for any action, some wise men suggested that the Tsar should prepare a timetable and follow it strictly some said it was impossible to decide anything in adverse so he not should notice everything and should avoid foolish pleasures and should do whatever is necessary.
Why did the Tsar decide to consult the hermit?
Ans: The learned men came to Tsar and gave different solutions to his three questions. Being dissatisfied with the answers of the wise men, the Tsar decided to consult with the hermit because he was widely renowned for his wisdom.
Where did the hermit live in ‘Three Questions’? Whom did the hermit receive?
Ans: In the story "Three Question" by Leo Tolstoy, The hermit lived in a wood.
The hermit received none but common folk.
Why was the Tsar advised to go to the magicians?
Ans: Hearing the Tsar's question, some of the wise men declared that in order to decide right time for doing something, one must know beforehand what was going to happen and only magicians were able to see the future. So, they advised the Tsar to go to the magicians.
In answer to the second question, whose advice did the people say would be important to the Tsar?
Ans: In answer to the second question of the Tsar that who are the most important people to listen to, some wise men suggested to seek advice of councillors, some mentioned the priest or the doctors or the soldiers.
What suggestions were made in answer to the third question? OR
What would be the most important occupation for the Tsar advised by the learned men?
Ans: According to some learned men, the most important thing in the world was science, while others said it was skill in warfare. Some others believed that religious worship would be the most important occupation for the Tsar.
Did the wise men win the reward? If not, why not?
Ans: No, the learned men didn’t win the reward because their answers were so different from each other and Tsar was not satisfied with their answers.
How did the Tsar approach the hermit?
Ans: The hermit lived in a wood that he never left and the hermit saw only simple people so the Tsar put on simple clothes, and before reaching the hermit’s cell dismounted from his horse and leaving his body-guard behind, went on to the hermit's hut alone.
How did the hermit look? what did the Tsar tell him when he first came? [1+1]
Ans: The hermit looked frail and weak and also breathing heavily while he was digging the earth in front of his hut.
The Tsar told the hermit that he had come to him to seek answers to his three questions.
What was the hermit doing when the Tsar approached the hermit's hut? What did hermit do when the Tsar approached him?
Ans: When the Tsar reached the hermit's hut heart, he saw the hermit digging the ground near his hut.
When the hermit saw the Tsar, he simply greeted him and continued doing his work.
What qualities made the hermit a true source of wisdom?
Ans: In the story "Three Questions" by Leo Tolstoy, the hermit may be physically frail and weak, but he was humble, lived simply, and taught through actions rather than words—helping the Tsar discover answers through experience.
How did the Tsar’s actions during his visit to the hermit reveal his character?
Ans: In the story "Three Questions" by Leo Tolstoy, the Tsar showed patience, kindness, and a willingness to serve, even though he was a powerful ruler. He was humble and do not believe in discrimination.
What lesson did the Tsar learn from helping the wounded man?
Ans: In the story "Three Questions" by Leo Tolstoy, from helping the wounded man, the Tsar learned that doing good in the present moment can heal not just others, but also change hearts and make peace.
How does the story show that actions speak louder than words? or How does the story reflect the idea that wisdom comes from experience?
Ans: In the story "Three Questions" by Leo Tolstoy, the Tsar found true answers not through discussion, not even from books or experts, but by helping others and reflecting on the experiences he gained through meaningful situations.
Why is “the present moment” considered the most important time in the story?
Ans: In the story "Three Questions" by Leo Tolstoy, the present moment is considered the most important time because it’s the only time when we have the power to act, help others, and make a difference. Nothing can be done once the moment is gone or during a time that has not yet come.
How does the story challenge traditional ideas of leadership?
Ans: The story 'Three Questions' by Leo Tolstoy challenges traditional views of leadership by showing that true leadership is not about authority or dominance, a great leader serves others, and acts with compassion.
What message does Tolstoy convey about forgiveness and change?
Ans: The story 'Three Questions' by Leo Tolstoy conveys that even enemies can become friends when treated with kindness, and that compassion can lead to transformation.
How did the Tsar and the hermit help the wounded man?
Ans: The Tsar washed the wound and covered the wound of the man with his handkerchief and the towel hermit gave him and he kept on dressing the wound until the bleeding stopped completely. The Tsar also offered the wounded man water to drink. With the help of the hermit the Tsar brought the wounded man inside the hermit's hut and laid him on the bed. While he crouched down and fell asleep on the threshold of the hut.
From where did the wounded man come running out in the story ‘Three Questions’? Describe the wound/condition of the bearded man. [1+1]
Ans: In the story ‘Three Questions’, the wounded man came running out of the wood.
The bearded man had a large wound on his stomach and blood was flowing profusely from it. Reaching near the Tsar, he fell fainting on the ground.
What are the ultimate answers to the three questions that the Tsar got from the hermit?
Ans: The ultimate answers to the three questions that the Tsar got from the hermit are that the most important time is now, the most important person is the one you're with, and the most important work is to do good for others.
6 Marks Questions Answers from 'Three Questions':
1) What were the questions that the Tsar wanted to be answered? Why did he need the answer? Why was he dissatisfied with the answers given by the scholars and learned men? [3+1+2 = 6]
Answer:
- The Tsar wanted to be answered three questions. They are What is the right time to begin anything? Who are the right people to listen to and whom to avoid? and What is the most important thing to do?
- Tsar needed the answers of this questions so that he would never fail in any task that he would undertake.
- The learned men came to Tsar and gave different solutions to his three questions. Being dissatisfied with the answers of the wise men, the Tsar decided to consult with the hermit because he was widely renowned for his wisdom.
2) What were the questions that had occurred to the Tsar? Why did he need correct answers to those questions? What did he do when he was not satisfied with the answers of the learned men? [3+1+2 = 6]
Answer:
- The Tsar wanted to be answered three questions. They are What is the right time to begin anything? Who are the right people to listen to and whom to avoid? and What is the most important thing to do?
- Tsar needed the answers of this questions so that he would never fail in any task that he would undertake.
- When the Tsar was not satisfied with the answers of the learned men, he decided to consult a hermit who is widely renowned for his wisdom.
3) “All the answers being different, the Tsar agreed none of them.” – Whom did the Tsar decide to consult when he was not satisfied? Where did the person live whom the Tsar decided to consult? What was he famous for? Whom did he receive? How did the Tsar meet the him? [1+1+1+1+2= 6]
Answer:
- The line was taken from 'Three Questions' by Leo Tolstoy. Being dissatisfied with the answers, the Tsar decided to consult a hermit.
- The hermit lived in a wood.
- He was famous for his wisdom.
- The hermit received none but common folk.
- The hermit received none but common folk. So, the Tsar put on simple clothes and before reaching the hermit's hut got down from his horse and leaving his bodyguard behind, went to the wood alone where the hermit lived.
4) How did the Tsar go to the wood where the wise hermit lived ? What was the hermit doing then? what did the Tsar say to the hermit? (2+1+3)
Answer:
- The hermit received none but common folk. So, the Tsar put on simple clothes and before reaching the hermit's hut got down from his horse and leaving his bodyguard behind, went to the wood alone where the hermit lived.
- When the Tsar went to meet him, the hermit was digging the ground in front of his hut.
- The Tsar told the wise hermit that he had come to him to ask him the answers of three questions. The first question was how could the Tsar learn to do the right thing at the right time. The second question was who were the right people to listen to and to whom should the Tsar therefore pay more attention than the rest. The third question was what was the most important thing to do, and needed the Tsar's first attention.
5) How was the wounded man revived and nursed? Why did he ask forgiveness of the Tsar? What did the Tsar do when he had gained the man for a friend? [2+2+2 = 6]
Answer:
- A bearded man came running out of the wood and fainted before the Tsar and the hermit. He had a deep wound in his stomach and blood was pouring out. They unfastened his clothes. The Tsar washed and bandaged the wound repeatedly until the blood ceased flowing. In this way, the wounded man was nursed and finally revived.
- The bodyguard of the Tsar recognized the man as the Tsar’s enemy and wounded him severely. He somehow escaped and it was the Tsar who looked after him with great care and saved his life. The man realized he would have died if the Tsar hadn’t helped him. This act of kindness changed the heart of the bearded man and he asked for forgiveness.
- The Tsar was very pleased to gain that unknown enemy as a friend. He offered to send his servants and his own physician to attend to him. He also promised to returned his seized property.
6) How did the Tsar nurse the wounded man? [6]
Answer: The Tsar saw a wounded man run out of the wood and faint before him. He was pressing his stomach, blood oozing beneath his hand. With the hermit’s help, the Tsar unfastened his clothes and found a deep wound. Blood flowed continuously. He washed and bandaged it using his handkerchief and the hermit’s towel. Each time the bandage soaked, he cleaned and rebandaged the wound. Eventually, the bleeding stopped, and the man revived. When he asked for something to drink, the Tsar brought fresh water and helped him drink. Then, with the hermit’s help, he carried the man into the hut and laid him on the bed. In this way, the Tsar nursed the wounded man. (116 words)
7) Why did the bearded man become an enemy of the Tsar? What did the man swear and resolve to do? Why did he ask forgiveness of the Tsar and what did he promise him? [1+2+2+1 = 6]
Answer:
- The bearded man became an enemy of the Tsar because the Tsar executed his brother and seized his property.
- The bearded man swore to take revenge on the Tsar and resolved to kill him to satisfy his retaliation. So he was hiding in the forest and waiting for the Tsar to return from the hermit's hut so that he could kill the Tsar.
- After getting badly wounded by the royal bodyguard, the bearded man somehow managed to escape and reach the hermit's hut. It was the Tsar who nursed him carefully and revived his life. He realized that he would have died if he had not been looked after by the Tsar. This act of the Tsar changed the wounded man’s mind, and he felt ashamed and asked for forgiveness.
- The man promised to serve the Tsar as the most faithful slave and he would also employ his sons to do the same.
8) Why did the bearded man ask forgiveness to the Tsar? What did the Tsar do when he had gained the man for a friend? [3+3]
Answer:
- After getting badly wounded by the royal bodyguard, the bearded man somehow managed to escape and reach the hermit's hut. It was the Tsar who nursed him carefully and revived his life. He realized that he would have died if he had not been looked after by the Tsar. This act of the Tsar changed the wounded man’s mind, and he felt ashamed and asked for forgiveness.
- The Tsar was very pleased to gain that unknown enemy as a friend and he forgave him. The man promised to serve the Tsar as his most faithful slave. The Tsar also offered to send his servants and his own physician to attend to him. He also promised to returned his seized property.
9) "For the last time, I pray you, to answer my questions, wise man" - Who said this? Who was the wise man? When did the speaker say this? What was the answer? [1+1+1+3]
Answer:
- In Leo Tolstoy's short story "Three Questions" the Tsar said this.
- The hermit was the wise man.
- The Tsar said this before leaving the hermit's hut in the next morning.
- When the Tsar asked him the questions again, the hermit replied that he had already been answered. The Tsar asked for explanation and the hermit stated that the most important time was now, the most important person was someone who was with him then, and the most essential task was to do good for the person.
10) What answers did the learned man give to the three questions? OR How did the learned man answer the Tsar's questions?
Answer: The Tsar’s first question was what was the right time to start any work. Some learned men told him to make a strict timetable of days and months in advance, while others said he should do the most urgent task without delay. Some advised him to consult wise men, and others suggested asTsar a magician who could predict the future. When the Tsar asked who the most important people were, some said councillors, others said priests, doctors, or warriors. The Tsar's third question was what was the most important work that he should undertake. Again, he received mixed answers: some said science, others said skill in warfare or religious worship. In the end, all these replies only confused the Tsar and did not satisfy him enough to give the reward.
11) "You have already been answered," said the hermit. - What were the hermit's answers to the three questions asked by the Tsar? [6]
Answer: In Tolstoy's short story "Three Questions," when the Tsar pressed the hermit for answers to his three questions, the hermit replied that he had already been answered. He then explained that the right time to begin everything is now. The hermit emphasized the importance of living in the present moment, as the past cannot be changed and the future is uncertain. The right people to listen to and be with are those who are currently present. He highlighted the significance of being fully present and attentive to those around us, valuing the relationships and connections we have in the moment. The most important thing to do is to help the person one is with, because humans are sent into life for that purpose. (123 words)
12) Describe how the Tsar changes as a character. Give details. [6]
Answer: In Leo Tolstoy’s 'Three Questions', the Tsar begins as a ruler obsessed with finding perfect answers to avoid mistakes in judgment. He seeks wisdom from scholars but remains unsatisfied. When he visits a hermit, he unknowingly learns the real answers through action—helping the hermit dig, caring for a wounded man, and reflecting on his choices. These experiences gave him the answers he was searching for and taught him that the most important time is now, the most important person is the one you’re with, and the most important work is to do good. This journey transforms the Tsar from a power-driven leader into a humble, compassionate ruler who values kindness and presence over control. (114 words)
13) State the modern relevance of the story Three Questions.
Answer: The story 'Three Questions' is still very relevant today’s fast-paced, decision-heavy world. The story also reminds us that wisdom isn’t found in rigid plans or expert opinions alone—it’s revealed through compassion, presence, and meaningful action. It tells us to live in the present, not worry too much about the past or future. In a world full of distractions and stress, the idea that “now” is the most important time helps us stay focused and mindful.
It also teaches us to value the people around us. Even though we’re always connected online, we often forget to give real attention to those near us. The story encourages us to be kind and present with others.
Lastly, it shows that doing good for the person beside us is life’s true purpose. Small acts of kindness matter more than big plans. This message is a powerful guide for living a meaningful and caring life. This principle is a vital antidote to the self-centeredness that can permeate modern society. (164 words)
14) How Leo Tolstoy uses a simple narrative structure and characters to explore complex questions about the purpose of life and human existence in 'Three Questions'?
Answer: Leo Tolstoy uses a simple story and clear, symbolic characters to explore deep questions about life’s purpose and human existence. The Tsar’s journey is easy to follow: he searches for answers, finds no help from scholars, and learns the truth through helping others. This straightforward structure makes the message accessible to all readers. The characters are not complex but represent ideas—the Tsar stands for anyone seeTsar meaning, the learned men show knowledge without action, and the hermit reflects wisdom through kindness and humility. Tolstoy avoids complicated plots and focuses the reader’s attention on the central philosophical questions. Through the hermit’s final message, readers learn that the most important time is now, the most important person is the one beside you, and the most important task is to do good. (129 words)
ONE MARK Questions : (There will be no one-mark question in class 12, instead there will be 1+1 questions. This is also to help you remember the story in detail and get a better understanding. This small-small questions also helpful to remember long answers, isn't it?)
What thought came to the Tsar's mind ?
Ans: The thought that came to the Tsar's mind was if he knew the answer of three questions he would never fail in any task.
What did the Tsar promise do anyone who would answer the three questions?
Ans: he Tsar promised a large sum of money to the person who would answer his three questions.
Who came to suggest the Tsar?
Ans: Many learned man came to suggest the Tsar.
Who answered the Tsar’s questions differently?
Ans: The learned men answered the Tsar’s questions differently.
According to the learned men, how would a council of wise men help the Tsar?
Ans: The council of wise men would help him to fix the proper time for everything.
Why should the Tsar consult magicians?
Ans: According to the learned men, The Tsar should consult the magicians because they could only tell the right time for every action beforehand.
Why did the Tsar agree to none of them?
Ans: The Tsar agreed to none of them because the answers of the learned men were different and none felt truly convincing or practical to him.
Why did the Tsar give the award to none of the scholars?
Ans: The Tsar gave the reward to none of the scholars because he was not satisfied with their answers.
Why did the Tsar put on a simple cloth before meeting the hermit?
Ans: The Tsar put on a simple cloth before meeting the hermit because the hermit received only the common men.
How did the Tsar meet the hermit?
Putting on simple clothes and leaving his bodyguard behind, the Tsar went on alone to meet the hermit.
What was the hermit doing when the Tsar came to visit him?
Ans: The hermit was digging the ground in front of his hut when the Tsar came to visit him.
Why did the hermit breathe heavily?
Ans: The hermit breathed heavily because he was frail and weak and could not tolerate the toil of digging.
What did the hermit do after listening to the Tsar’s questions?
Ans: After listening to the Tsar’s questions, the hermit answered nothing and recommenced his digging.
What did the hermit do before recommencing digging?
Ans: The hermit spat on his hands before recommencing his digging.
How did the Tsar help the hermit?
Ans: The Tsar took the spade from the hermit and started digging for him.
When did the Tsar stop digging and asked the questions for the second time?
Ans: When the Tsar had dug two beds, he stopped digging and asked the questions for the second time.
How long did the Tsar dig the beds?
Ans: The Tsar dug the beds till the sun-set.
Who came running when Tsar was talking to the hermit?
Ans: A bearded man came running.
From where did the wounded man come running out?
Ans: The wounded man came running out of the wood.
Which part of the body of the bearded man was injured in the story ‘Three Questions’?
Ans: The stomach of the bearded man was injured in the story ‘Three Questions’.
Describe the wound of the bearded man.
Ans: The bearded man had a large wound on his stomach and blood was flowing profusely from it.
What happened to the wounded man as soon as he reached the Tsar?
Ans: As soon as the bearded man reached the Tsar, he fell fainted on the ground moaning feebly.
Who unfastened the man’s clothing?
Ans: The Tsar and the hermit unfastened the man’s clothing.
How did the Tsar take care of the wounded man?
Ans: The Tsar washed and bandaged the wound of the bearded man again and again till the blood ceased flowing.
By which did the Tsar bandage the wound?
Ans: The Tsar bandaged the wound with his handkerchief and the towel of the hermit.
What did the bearded man ask for when he revived?
Ans: The bearded man asked for something to drink when he revived.
Why was the Tsar so tired?
Ans: The Tsar was so tired because he had dug the earth the whole day.
Where did the Tsar fall asleep?
Ans: The Tsar fell asleep on the threshold of the hermit’s hut.
Why did the bearded man want to take revenge? Or. Why did the bearded man resolve to kill the Tsar?
Ans: The bearded man wanted to take revenge on the Tsar because he had executed his brother and seized his property.
Where/How did the bearded man resolve to kill the Tsar?
Ans: The bearded man resolved to kill the Tsar on his way back from the hermit.
Who wounded the bearded man?
Ans: The bodyguard of the Tsar wounded the bearded man.
What did the bearded man promise the Tsar?
Ans: The bearded man promised the Tsar to serve as the most faithful servant and he would employ his sons to do the same.
Why was the Tsar very glad?
Ans: The Tsar was very glad because his enemy had become his friend.
What did the Tsar promise to the bearded man?
Ans: The Tsar promised the bearded man to restore his property.
What was the hermit doing when the Tsar came to him to take leave?
Ans: When the Tsar came to take leave of the hermit, he was sowing seeds in the beds sitting on his knees.
What was the most important man when the Tsar was digging the bed?
Ans: When the Tsar was digging the bed, the most important man was the hermit.
What was the most important affair or business when the Tsar was digging the bed?
Ans: The most important affair or business was to help the hermit when the Tsar was digging the bed.
What was the most important time when the bearded man ran to them?
Ans: The most important time was when the hermit and the Tsar were attending to his wounds.
Who was the most important man when the bearded man ran to them?
Ans: It was the bearded man who was the most important man.
What was the most important business when the bearded man ran to them?
Ans: The most important business was to take care of the bearded man when he ran to them.
What, according to the hermit, is the most important thing to do?
Ans: According to the hermit, the most important affair is to do good for one with whom we are dealing in the present.
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