Death as we know it is a phenomenon that usually triggers sentiments of fear and anxiety for the average person. Most of us aren’t really able to comprehend it to its full extent. Some argue that in death, we find peace and eternal rest, while others argue that it is the time in which we face judgment, where our previous actions in life are put to the test in determining whether we ascend to heaven or descend into hell. Logically, one would think that the agony of death lies in its unknown nature and our lack of control over what the Hereafter awaits us. But what if the real pain of dying lies in the sudden realization that our whole life was lived in vain? This is the dilemma that is explored in Leo Tolstoy’s “The Death of Ivan Ilych.” An extraordinary novel, as experts refer to it, that explores the life of a high-ranking official residing in the comforts of societal norms.
I had the privilege of reading this book for my philosophy class a few weeks ago while touching upon the subject of death. Tolstoy wrote this book during a period of intense and spiritual crisis, where he questioned the meaning of life and death’s inevitability. Through the book, Tolstoy attempts to explore the agony of confronting one’s mortality and the emptiness of leading a materialistic life.
The book’s overall purpose truly inspired me and motivated me to spark a change in the world and to not conform to society’s standards. The novel follows Ivan Ilych, a wealthy man who served as a judge in Russia’s judicial system. He holds a position in the Court of Justice and spends much of his life striving for success, status, wealth and social approval. His career and desire for societal recognition play a crucial role in the novel, as it highlights the emptiness of his achievements when faced with death. Ivan had successfully crafted a life that his peers admired. Every detail of his existence portrayed a perfect image along the lines of propriety and minimalism. Ivan was well-groomed, worked diligently during the day and indulged in playing cards with his friends during the evening, as well as reading. Ivan married Praskovya Fyodorovna, a woman of a high social status who matched his “perfect” public image. Life ran smoothly until the unexpected blow of a terminal illness caused by a fall that derailed his perfect lifestyle and predictable routine, dragging him into a trip of self-reflection and examination of his way of living.
At first, Ivan disregarded his illness and believed that it was just the result of a mild discomfort on his left side. However, after visiting multiple doctors, his final diagnosis says that he’s undeniably dying. From this moment on, Ivan’s life takes a drastic turn. The routine he once found comfort in vanishes and is replaced by constant feelings of frustration and fear.
This realization is both terrifying and isolating. He begins wondering how someone as truly great as him could be dying in such a nasty manner. Fear seeps into every thought and every moment, making his own life feel strange as if he is merely watching it unfold from a distance. As Ivan’s family tries to get him more doctors and medicines to save him, he then finally makes them accept that he’s dying. While hallucinating and reminiscing upon his childhood memories, Ivan dies in pain as he takes his last breath.
We can see that during his final moments, Ivan was afraid of death and the unknown, something that can be attributed to his way of living. Ivan led a materialistic and superficial life to keep up with appearances. He always sought to make his way up the social ladder while having unrealistic expectations for himself. However, in his last moments, Ivan came to realize that life lacked meaning, making it harder for him to face death as he remarks: “‘Can it be that I have not lived as one ought?’… ‘But how not so, when I’ve done everything as it should be done?’” In this quote, Ivan begins experiencing an inner struggle with his previous life choices as he questions his entire existence and whether he had truly lived with purpose or merely conformed to societal norms.
The world is full of uncertainty, and because of that, we must live our lives to the fullest. “The Death of Ivan Ilych” shows us the life of an upper-class well respected man from Russia, who, despite surrounding himself with the finest company of respectable and wealthy individuals and striving for success, went through the ordeal of an agonizing death while experiencing an existential crisis. The lesson taught by Tolstoy within this book is that death is an inevitable part of the cycle of life, and no matter how rich or poor we are, we can never escape it. Because of this exact reason, Tolstoy encourages us to live a meaningful, fulfilled life and to step out of society’s box of expectations.
By the end, Ivan’s life, which was full of greatness and ravenous for more success, is reduced to nothing as he lies on his deathbed, reminiscing upon his life and the good and pleasant moments he lived through as he inhales his last breath and finally closes his eyes, leaving this world. Throughout Ivan’s life, he strived to be that “golden child” his parents and those around him looked up to, but in executing this role, he becomes unsatisfied with whatever he accomplishes and always wants more. Therefore, this turned him into a workaholic, not only to escape from his life problems but to distract himself from his misery and the void he felt inside.
