How Much Land Does A Man Need? by Leo Tolstoy Th Essay Example

seek even more land based on information from a passerby who had just arrived from another western region.

Pahom learns of extraordinary land with a very low price and decides to travel to inquire about it. Upon arrival, he discovers that the land is indeed as magnificent as he had been told. The land is inhabited by the Bashkirs, a content and simple people who speak a different language than Pahom - these individuals were native Americans encountered by European settlers as they ventured westward.

Tolstoy portrays them as lively and jolly, indulging in leisure throughout the summer months despite their lack of knowledge in Russian. Originally perceived as unintelligent and indolent beings easily exploitable by settlers, surprisingly enough for Pahom communication was facilitated when it's revealed that Chief himself spoke Russian.

Many native Americans had learned English as a result of constant exposure to English-speaking individuals. An agreement was reached that allowed Pahom to claim as much land as he could walk around. However, consumed by greed, Pahom viewed his acquisition as theft. The night before his endeavor, he had a dream where the devil mockingly stood over his lifeless body. Dismissing it, he went back to sleep.

The next day, Pahom began his journey to stake his claim. Determined to gather as much land as possible, he underestimated the distance and faced difficulties walking due to exhaustion, heat, and injuries. He was forced to run back in order to make it in time but struggled with fatigue and pain.

Pahom realizes his excessive greed is having a negative impact on him. Struggling to reach the finish line and stay alive, he finally manages it. However, his joy is

short-lived when he sees the Chief sitting and laughing reminiscent of the devil in his dream. Overwhelmed, Pahom collapses and dies immediately after completing the race.

Without delay, Pahom's servant uses a spade to dig a grave long enough for him right there at the finish line. The narrative emphasizes that during the settlement of western America, greed was prevalent among Americans who were portrayed as insatiable individuals willing to go extreme lengths for personal gain even if it ultimately led them to destroy their own lives (p 222).