Although the story is usually considered a children's fairy tale, it is also used as an indication of Tolstoy's political leanings; unsophisticated Ivan with his simple way of life defeats the treacherous devil.
Although the story is usually considered a children's fairy tale, it is also used as an indication of Tolstoy's political leanings in support of Communist ideology. Though his brothers are easily tempted by money and military power, unsophisticated Ivan, with his simple way of life, defeats the treacherous devil.