Question

Select one of the characters from “How Much Land Does a Man Need?” (Pahom, the Devil, Pahom's wife, or Pahom's sister-in-law) and describe the character type that character represents in the story. Do you think the author is preparing that character for development later in the story?

Answer 1

Pahom buys land from the lady who formerly issued heavy fines. He feels proud and satisfied about the land he owns at first. Then he is annoyed with his neighbors for trespassing on his land, and he takes Simon to court for cutting down his trees. Pahom loses the case. Later, Pahom moves to Samara to use communal land, which seems more promising. Then he realizes he does not like using rented land, so he decides to buy his own land again. He almost buys his own land from a peasant, but withdraws from the offer when he hears about the amazing bargains that can be made with the Bashkirs for their good land. He travels to the Bashkirs and gives them presents. He then speaks with their chief and a deal is made. Pahom has a nightmare about his own death, the Devil, and the Devil's different personas. The next day, Pahom sets out to claim his land according to the deal.

Answer 2

I'll choose Pahom as the character from "How much land does a man need?".

In the first part of the story, Pahom was depicted as a simple and hardworking man. He was contented in his lot in life. However, there came a time when he desired more and he was able achieve his desires. Because of his successes where he attained his desired goals, he became greedier and prideful of his capabilities to the extent that he died trying to show off. He has achieved his ultimate dream of having the most land to own but at the cost of his life.