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The Death of Ivan Ilyich

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The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo Tolstoy is a novella that delves into the contemplation of death and the meaning of life through the lens of the protagonist, Ivan Ilyich. The story follows the journey of a high-level judge who discovers he has an incurable illness, leading him to question his life choices, relationships, and societal norms as he approaches his inevitable death. Tolstoy masterfully captures the psychological turmoil of a dying man and explores themes of suffering, decay, and the human struggle to come to terms with mortality.

The narrative skillfully portrays Ivan Ilyich's internal struggles, self-reflection, and existential crisis as he grapples with his impending death. Through a series of introspective moments, the reader is confronted with the stark reality of mortality and the protagonist's quest for redemption and understanding in the face of life's uncertainties.

Characters:

Characters embody the themes of superficiality and existential dread, particularly focusing on Ivan Ilyich's transformation from a career-driven bureaucrat to a man confronting the truth of his life.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is straightforward yet powerful, emphasizing psychological depth and existential questions through vivid character introspection.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative follows the life and death of Ivan Ilyich, a high court judge, revealing his pursuit of social advancement at the cost of genuine happiness. His terminal illness prompts a profound introspection about the meaning of his life.

Setting:

Set in 19th-century Russia, the environment emphasizes societal norms and bureaucratic routines that contribute to Ivan's feeling of alienation in his final days.

Pacing:

The novella unfolds at a measured pace, providing ample time to explore Ivan's existential crisis and the reactions of those around him.
1847 Inherits estate of Yasnaya Polyana. Recovering from gonorrhoea, draws up scheme for self-perfection. Leaves university without completing studies ‘on grounds of ill health and domestic circumstan...

Notes:

The collection includes several works by Tolstoy, including The Death of Ivan Ilyich, which was published in 1886 after his religious conversion.
Tolstoy's writing is noted for its psychological depth, examining characters' motivations and emotions.
A recurring theme in the collection is the critical view of societal hypocrisy towards marriage, death, and genuine compassion.
The Death of Ivan Ilyich begins with the protagonist's death, focusing on his life and realizations about mortality.
Ivan Ilyich's character represents an ordinary man who leads a superficial life dominated by societal expectations and materialism.
The impact of Ivan Ilyich's terminal illness serves as a catalyst for profound introspection and existential reflection.
The book explores themes of loneliness, regret, and the existential struggle with the inevitability of death.
Tolstoy contrasts Ivan's experiences with those of his empathetic servant, Gerasim, who shows genuine care and understanding.
The narrative includes criticism of the medical profession and societal attitudes towards illness, often highlighting their insensitivity.
Hadji Murad is noted as a shorter miniature version of War and Peace, reflecting on individual actions in historical contexts.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of terminal illness, death, and reflections on a life wasted.

From The Publisher:

A vibrant translation of Tolstoy's most important short fiction by the award-winning translators of War and Peace.

Here are eleven masterful stories from the mature author, some autobiographical, others moral parables, and all told with the evocative power that was Tolstoy's alone. They include "The Prisoner of the Caucasus," inspired by Tolstoy's own experiences as a soldier in the Chechen War, "Hadji Murat," the novella Harold Bloom called "the best story in the world," "The Devil," a fascinating tale of sexual obsession, and the celebrated "The Death of Ivan Ilyich," an intense and moving examination of death and the possibilities of redemption.

Pevear and Volokhonsky's translation captures the richness, immediacy, and multiplicity of Tolstoy's language, and reveals the author as a passionate moral guide, an unflinching seeker of truth, and ultimately, a creator of enduring and universal art.

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1 comment(s)

Loved It
11 months

This is not a novel about death. It is about how to live.

 

About the Author:

Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) was born in central Russia. After serving in the Crimean War, he retired to his estate and devoted himself to writing, farming, and raising his large family. His novels and outspoken social polemics brought him world fame.

 
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