Leo Tolstoy's Short Story "How Term Paper

Total Length: 436 words ( 1 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 4

life in prison and finally, the banker bets the lawyer that he cannot live for fifteen years in solitary confinement and if he can do so, the banker agrees to pay him two million dollars. In his self-imposed prison the lawyer reads extensively and reaches an epiphany. He writes his sentiments in a sort of suicide note; he abandoned his station just one day before he was to receive his prize. Renouncing the two million dollars was a profound statement against human greed and materialism. The lawyer writes that most earthly affairs are "worthless, fleeting, illusory, and deceptive, like a mirage." Moreover, the banker had come to kill the lawyer so that he would not have to pay out his bet: illustrating the extent of his inhumane greed.
Chekhov's story is consummately persuasive, encouraging readers to contemplate the deeper meaning of life and of human existence.

Both Tolstoy and Chekhov use persuasive story-crafting to send a powerful message about human nature and especially about greed. Especially since both authors witnessed the age of capitalism taking root as well as theoretically backlashes against it, their social commentary is remarkable. "How Much Land Does a Man Need?" And "The Bet" offer equally compelling arguments against greed and for an appreciation of what is far finer….....

     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"Leo Tolstoy's Short Story How" (2008, June 25) Retrieved May 9, 2024, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/leo-tolstoy-short-story-29176

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"Leo Tolstoy's Short Story How" 25 June 2008. Web.9 May. 2024. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/leo-tolstoy-short-story-29176>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"Leo Tolstoy's Short Story How", 25 June 2008, Accessed.9 May. 2024,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/leo-tolstoy-short-story-29176