The Spiritual Awakening

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that death is one of the hardest things to grasp for a human being. The writer discusses that in "The Death of Ivan Ilyich" when Ivan realizes his death is inevitable he begins his spiritual awakening. The writer points out that it took Ivan Ilyich to be on his death-bed before he realized that almost his whole life had been not as great as he previously thought. During his life he neglected his family, only wanted to succeed at his work, and thought life was all plain an simple. The writer concludes that by taking the time to reflect on his life Ivan was able to see what had happened in it and all the wrongful things that had been done.

From the Paper:

"The story opens up as the title proclaims with the death of Ivan Ilyich. The first chapter displays everyone's reactions toward Ivan Ilyich. Upon first word of his death all his colleagues and so called friends first thoughts to themselves is if they will get a promotion or a raise. Not one of them seems sympathetic towards him or seems at all mournful. His best friend since they were young schoolboys Peter Ivanovich was just doing what seemed right and didn't feel much sorrow upon hearing his death, while talking to Ivan Ilyich's wife Praskovya Fedorovna. Even she was talking about how much money she can get after his death. This sets up the story with a certain angle and background for what else is come in the story. A foreshadowing of Ivan Ilyich's life and how he lived it."

Sample of Sources Used:

• "The Death of Ivan Ilyich", Leo Tolstoy

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• Analytical Essay # 114038 : "Mr. Pontellier in Kate Chopin's "The Awakening"

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