The Death of Ivan Illych

A detailed Summary of The Death of Ivan Illych

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 sham

indifference. Even Ivan's own wife treated his illness as a burden and a

must be through pain and suffering that everyone is capable of redemption.

made Ivan's life even more difficult. After getting another promotion and

arrived and his wife's attitude only worsened.

Approximate Word count = 1164
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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