A woodcarver, a tailor, and a teacher find themselves in a dispute over the ownership of a woman brought to life from a tree.

The narrative follows the creation of a woman through the combined efforts of three distinct craftsmen, each contributing a vital element to her existence. As she gains the ability to speak and reason, the men assert their individual claims of possession based on their specific contributions. The story operates within the framework of a traditional folk tale, utilizing a linear progression to explore the ethical implications of creation and autonomy. The world is defined by the logic of magical realism, where the physical transformation of wood into flesh serves as the catalyst for a philosophical conflict regarding agency.

Readers often note the stark, fable-like quality of the prose, which emphasizes the moral dilemma over complex character interiority. Discussion frequently centers on the ethical implications of the men's claims and how the woman navigates her newfound existence amidst their possessiveness. Critics highlight the story's effectiveness in distilling human nature into a simple, yet potent, conflict regarding control and independence. The atmosphere is described as timeless, drawing heavily on the conventions of Russian folklore to ground its central philosophical question. Many readers find the brevity of the work allows for a focused analysis of the power dynamics at play between the creators and the created.