Student Question
How does the sisters' conversation at the start of "How Much Land Does a Man Need?" foreshadow later events?
Quick answer:
The sisters' conversation at the start of "How Much Land Does a Man Need?" foreshadows Pahom's downfall by highlighting themes of contentment and covetousness. The younger sister's advocacy for a simple peasant life contrasts with her husband's greed for land, which ultimately leads to his ruin. Their argument sets the stage for Pahom's journey, illustrating that temptation and lack of discernment can destroy anyone, regardless of their lifestyle.
As my colleague rightly explains, the sisters argue passionately about the ramifications of their different lifestyles. Each remains convinced that her way of life is much safer, more dependable, and more satisfying. The sisters' argument centers on the theme of contentment.
Pahom, the husband of the younger sister, thinks that more land will ensure his security to the point that he wouldn't have to fear the Devil himself. His wife's assertion that the land is the center of the peasant's security prompts Pahom to covet more land. In due time, Pahom becomes a landowner, and he is justly proud of everything he manages to accomplish on his land. However, Pahom discovers that ownership comes with sundry annoyances and trials he would rather do without. His neighbors encroach on his land and test his patience. Pahom finds himself quarreling with them and imagines that he would be happier if he had...
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even more land.
Here, we begin to see how the sisters' argument foreshadows Pahom's eventual downfall. The younger sister accuses her older sister of living a decadent and covetous lifestyle. She asserts that city life comes with too many temptations and uncertainties; she claims to be contented with a simple peasant's life. However, it is her own husband who faces ruin and eventual death because of his covetousness. Pahom never realizes that the temptations in his path will ultimately destroy him.
The author foreshadows Pahom's downfall beautifully by shining a spotlight on questions regarding temptation and covetousness. The sisters' argument sets the stage for Pahom's story to unfold. When he thinks that he has gotten a good bargain at the expense of the Bashkirs, Pahom is ecstatic. He imagines that he can get as much land as he wants for a trivial price. But, how much land does a man really need? If he loses his life in the act of procurement, has he really gained anything? The sisters' conversation foreshadows Pahom's destruction, but it also highlights a main theme of the story: discernment is lacking in someone who is covetous. The unfolding story clearly shows that a man is not exempt from temptation, whether he lives in the country or the city.
The story ends on an ironic note, but does answer the question posed in the title:
His servant picked up the spade and dug a grave long enough for Pahom to lie in, and buried him in it. Six feet from his head to his heels was all he needed.