How Much Land does a Man Need?
The story revolves around Pahom, a wealthy peasant who owns a large tract of land and livestock. He becomes increasingly dissatisfied with his life, feeling that he needs more land to be truly content. After a series of events, including the death of his brother-in-law, Pahom decides to sell his possessions and move to Siberia in search of new land. Upon arrival, Pahom is forced to work hard to clear the land and build a new life. He eventually becomes successful, but at great personal cost. The story explores themes of greed, materialism, and the human desire for more.
By Leo Tolstoy · First published 1886 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Fable, Philosophical Fiction · 9 chapters · 7,244 words
First lines
An elder sister came to visit her younger sister in the country. The elder was married to a tradesman in town, the younger to a peasant in the village. As the sisters sat over their tea talking, the elder began to boast of the advantages of town life: saying how comfortably they lived there, how well they dressed, what fine clothes her children wore, what good things they ate and drank, and how she went to the theatre, promenades, and entertainments.
The younger sister was piqued, and in turn disparaged the life of a tradesman, and stood up for that of a peasant.
What this Textopian page supports
How Much Land does a Man Need? is listed on Textopian as a novella by Leo Tolstoy, dated 1886 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Leo Tolstoy
- Date: 1886 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Fable, Philosophical Fiction, Social Commentary, Tragedy
- Length: 7,244 words
- Structure: 9 chapters, 126 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for How Much Land does a Man Need? by Leo Tolstoy
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores deep themes of human nature, morality, and the consequences of greed, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Fable — The narrative conveys a moral lesson about the dangers of excessive ambition and materialism, akin to traditional fables.
- Philosophical Fiction — The story raises philosophical questions about the meaning of life, ownership, and the human condition.
- Social Commentary — It critiques social structures and the plight of peasants, reflecting on class and economic issues.
Tags
Short Story · Fiction · Russian Literature · Philosophical · Psychological Insight · Existentialism · Man's Relationship with Land · Land Ownership · Property Rights · Human Nature · Desire for Possession · Greed