Greed

Greed is arguably the most prominent theme in the story, as the narrative primarily functions as a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed. The story establishes this theme by examining how greed can exist in a nascent state, and how greed can cause negative effects even before it develops further. In the story’s first chapter, Pahom says that he is almost completely content, and that he only has one complaint: “Our only trouble is that we haven’t land enough. If I had plenty of land, I shouldn't fear the Devil himself!” (50). Pahom never gives any concrete evidence for why he needs more land, and as the story continues, it becomes increasingly evident that this initial desire is merely a nascent form of hollow greed. Moreover, even before Pahom’s greed causes his ruin, it causes him unhappiness in this nascent state. Thus, the...