"The Death of Ivan Ilych"

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how the experience of one's own death represents a major theme developed by Leo Tolstoy in "The Death of Ivan Ilych". It looks at how this theme begins its unfolding even in the opening to the story as Ivan's obituary in the local "Gazette" is shared amongst some of his old friend and colleagues. It examines how although the other characters are used throughout the story, "The Death of Ivan Ilych" is largely a tale of the individual's experience with his/her death.

From the Paper:

"Ultimately, Tolstoy's story is one that demonstrates to humans how each of us can gain some control over that which seems beyond our control. As suggested by Kamm (2003), from a philosophical perspective, the experiences of Ivan as he confronts his death teaches us that we can have some control over our deaths, including the process of dying and what death it self signifies (i.e., the end of our mortal selves and existence), by how we choose to live it. As Tolstoy unravels Ivan's ongoing groping with his own mortality, the reader is faced with the challenge of considering his/her own life and the manner in which he/she presently has lived and continues to live in order to avoid finding himself/herself in the same situation as Ivan dying with the knowledge that life has not been well lived."

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• Book Review # 91861 : "'The Death of Ivan Ilych' "
• Analytical Essay # 4193 : "Finding Meaning: Tolstoy's "The Death of Ivan Ilych"
• Argumentative Essay # 73837 : "The Death of Ivan Ilych"

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