In "How Much Land Does a Man Need?" by Leo Tolstoy, possession of material goods can lead to one's downfall and even death is shown. The story opens upon two sisters debating on whom has the better life arrangement. The sister who is the wife of a peasant, Pahom, declares confidently that her life is not filled with extravagant luxuries but with self-satisfaction and fewer temptations. When Pahom overhears this he, too, believes the statement but he wishes he had just a bit more land. What starts out as a wistful thought rapidly becomes an unquenchable thirst for land. That never-ending need for more land spins out of control leading to his death.
             Pahom dies as a result of his actions towards attaining material possessions. The reader has the feeling that such actions and decisions will lead to trouble when Pahom declares, "If I had plenty of land, I shouldn't fear the Devil himself!" (944). Such a bold and arrogant statement would invite trouble no mater who said it. This is Tolstoy's way of introducing the concept that obtaining material possessions and constantly being greedy can lead to personal human downfall. Such is the case with Pahom.
             Pahom's lifestyle plays an important role in what guides his actions towards his falling out. Pahom's wife states, in the argument with her sister, "We may live roughly, but at least we're free from worry... Our way is safer" (944). Pahom, hearing this, agrees, "It is perfectly true... we peasants have no time to let any nonsense settle in our heads. Our only trouble is we haven't land enough" (944). He then goes on to challenge the Devil as before mentioned. In his statement, Pahom contradicts himself. He is satisfied with his life, but dissatisfied with the circumstances in his life. The first signs of
             hunger for land appear and it has a snowball effect from there, leading to Pahom's event...