In "How Much Land Does a Man Need?" greed is the central theme that drives the narrative and leads to the protagonist's downfall. Pahom, a peasant, believes that acquiring more land will bring him happiness and security. However, his insatiable desire for more land ultimately leads to his demise. Tolstoy uses Pahom's story to critique the endless pursuit of wealth and illustrate the futility of materialism.

Pahom's greed is evident from the beginning. He is never satisfied with what he has, always wanting more land to increase his wealth and status. This desire becomes an obsession, and no matter how much land he acquires, it is never enough. His greed blinds him to the satisfaction and contentment that could come from appreciating what he already possesses.

The story reaches its climax when Pahom encounters the Bashkirs, who offer him a deal to acquire as much land as he can walk around in a single day for a modest price. Driven by greed, Pahom attempts to cover as much ground as possible, ignoring the limits of his own endurance. His ambition leads him to push beyond his physical capabilities, resulting in his death from exhaustion.

The irony of Pahom's situation is highlighted in the story's conclusion. Despite his relentless pursuit of land, Pahom ultimately needs only enough land to be buried. The final line of the story underscores this irony: "Six feet from his head to his heels was all he needed." This serves as a poignant reminder of the futility of greed and the ultimate equalizer that is death.

Tolstoy's tale is a moral lesson about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the destructive nature of greed. Pahom's story demonstrates that true happiness and contentment cannot be found in material possessions but in appreciating and valuing what one already has. The narrative warns against the corrosive effects of greed, which can lead to isolation, dissatisfaction, and ultimately, one's downfall.