Dangers Of Greed In 'How Much Land Does A Man Need'

“How Much Land Does a Man Need?” is a literary masterwork that contains complex writing techniques such as foreshadowing, irony, and symbolism that are woven within the short story to expose the dangers of greed. Tolstoy begins by introducing the main character’s family structure. Pahóm and his wife are simple country people that live off the land. There, they live a life of comfort and peace without extravagance, “… a peasant’s life is not a fat one, it is a long one. We shall never grow rich, but we shall always have enough to eat” (Tolstoy 2). In contrast, Pahóm’s sister-in-law and her husband, a tradesman, live a life of luxury and elegance in the city. They are blessed with fine clothes, ensured meals, and expensive city events. The

The author takes this position on greed as a way to influence readers to live life simply and enjoy spiritual and social belongings moreover those of the physical world. Tolstoy converted his faith during his early 50s, which greatly influenced his writing of “How Much Land Does a Man Need?” He believed that he relied too heavily on money and nice belongings for his happiness. He began to donate his time and money within his community to seek out spiritual happiness ("Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy"). Tolstoy believed that God would provide for all of his needs in abundance if he would put his faith in the Lord and enjoy the blessings already given by God. This attitude towards life is evident in the passage that refers to the Bashkírs, “As far as the men were concerned, drinking kumiss and tea, eating mutton, and playing on their pipes, was all they cared about. They were all stout and merry… They knew no Russian, but were good-natured enough” (Tolstoy 8). The author speaks highly of the Bashkírs in attempts to prove that living simply and joyously will have its rewards: plentiful land, food, light work, and pleasant company. Tolstoy also illustrates that there are many negative attributes that accompany greed. It can cause a person to become arrogant and treat neighbors cruelly. This is evident in the story after Pahóm purchases land from

Living a simple life is far greater than living a life full of extravagance. Simpler living can lead to a life of fulfillment and happiness, like that of my family’s, or to a life of greed and envy, such as Pahóm’s. Growing up in a small, rural area, excessive belongings are rare. Regardless of how much money my parents made, we were always happy because we had each other. I was raised in a strong Christian home which greatly influenced my views on Tolstoy’s short story. The Bible references greed and having a materialistic focus many times. In Exodus chapter 20, Moses was given the Ten Commandments in order for the people to live a life with a closer relationship to God. The second commandment reads: “You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below” (The Teen Study Bible: New Internation Version 92-93). God gave Moses this law so the people would keep God in their main focus. When Christ is the center of our lives, the focus of how we live our lives is upward to please God, rather than inward to please ourselves. The tenth commandment instructs followers of Christ not to covet a neighbor’s belongings. When living a fulfilling Christian life, God will provide in every circumstance so there is no need to be envious of another. Job exemplifies a