The short story, "The Death of Ivan Ilych", written by Leo Tolstoy, is about
the reactions of a man and his friends to his suffering and death. Everyone
who knows Ivan including Ivan himself has led a life of total disconcern for
the feelings and sufferings of others. They all lead shallow lives not
daring to probe into the feelings deep down inside for fear of stepping
outside the lines of propriety. That is the biggest rule that people of that
society follow. Do not say or show what you are thinking.
Ivan Ilych's attitude toward life is the same all the way up to his death.
He was as the author put it, "...a capable, good-natured, and social man,
though strict in the fulfillment of what he considered his duty: and he
considered his duty to be what was so considered by those in authority." (p.
1088) That quote states that Ivan was solely concerned with his duties and
his advancement in position by following the orders of his authorities.
Ivan was son of a successful man who held many positions in many
departments. That man, Ilya Epimovich Golovin, had three sons. The oldest
followed his father's example and was a success. The youngest son was a
total failure. He had blown many opportunities and was the shame of the
family. Ivan the middle son was the better of the two. Ivan was a mix of his
two brothers. He had the hard-working spirit of the older brother but also
appreciates the value of a good time like the younger brother.
Ivan's career grew steadily. In a short time, he eventually obtained the
position of examining magistrate. Ivan did very well in this position. He
excelled in the separation of the personal duties in his life and the
official duties to which he was totally dedicated. This taste of power which
came with his new position was very appealing to Ivan. The idea that writing
a few words or giving a simple command sent people into motion made Ivan
Upon moving to a new t...