Three Arshins of Land

Torejas, Chelyn R.

IV-ABMC

Three Arshins of Land Leo N. Tolstoy

The “Three Arshins of Land” is just one of the works of the renowned Tolstoy. It is clear that this story is being influenced by the author’s life. The story partly shows the typical life of a peasant who works, who dreams and who fails. This has been smoothly narrated using the omniscient point of view. It has been foretold in an entertaining and simple way.

Obviously, the author wants to exemplify its theme. It talks about greed. With the author’s use of simple English, both young and old can easily understand the message of Tolstoy.

This story preaches a universal message that man can never have enough. It tells readers that reaching for too much can result to the loss of everything. Anything that is in excess is not good. Tolstoy seems to remind people to take only according to what he can accommodate.

The story has also touched the topic of freedom of choice. It has been clear that Pakhom’s decision and action in this story has been a product of his freedom of choice.

If we analyze it, the general theme of the story withstands time. It keeps on reminding readers about an attitude commonly practiced and enjoyed by people. This story seems to stress man’s nature of greediness. The author, however, warns readers using the scenario of Pakhom’s death. The message has been wrapped by the character and transformation of Pakhom.

Other lesson may include the contention about the limits of human body. Pakhom did not die of running. He may die due to heat stroke, dehydration or other heart related malfunctions. This tells readers that the human body has limits but greed doesn’t. Because of greed, Pakhom tried to reach a matter that is way too much for his grasps.

Sometimes greed comes together with pride. This, however, is true for this story as Pakhom has been aware that he can not make it. Several lines like “I was too greedy”, and “Did I not make a mistake? Did I not try to grab too much? If I only get back in time”. Though aware, Pakhom still continues because of pride as reflected on this line, “…he could not stop. “I have run so much that if I stop now they will call me a fool.” It is ironic how he feared to be called a fool even to the point of sacrificing his own life. With this, the poor Pakhom died miserably.

The topic of greediness has been stressed even more through the presence of a devil in the story’s different characters particularly narrated on Pakhom’s dream. The appearance of a devil created a dark atmosphere in some parts of the story.

The story proves that temptations do not come as it is. Mostly, it is wrapped in vibrant and palatable offers. In this story, it is narrated in these lines, “For one day, we sell you as much land as you can walk around in one day. The price of one day is one thousand rubles.”

Pakhom, the lead character, made a gradual transformation all through out the story. At first, he was a character of hard work. But later, he turned out to be a character of dissatisfaction. At the end, his character turned opposite.

It is ironic how Pakhom’s walk which is aimed for the acquisition of vast land turned out to be a willful walk for his three arshins tomb. Sometimes it gives readers a chuckle but it is usually counteracted with Pakhom’s miserable death.

The race of Pakhom prior to the deal he made with the Bakshir may symbolize his race against time. It may also symbolize his race against life. The dream of Pakhom may stand as a form of warnings a number of people including Pakhom normally disregards.

Some figurative language employed by the author can be spotted in these lines, “his bosom was heaving like the bellows in a forge, his heart was beating like a hammer, the knees felt as though they were another’s and gave under him”, “he ran as though someone were driving him”.