The Death of Ivan Ilych is a masterpiece constructed on the basis of constant human life struggles. In the novel, The Death of Ivan Ilych, Leo Tolstoy creates a character (Ivan Ilych) who resembles every common human individual. Ivan Ilych was a man who as a child had a poor upbringing but when he got older he led an ideal life He was wealthy, had a family and high positioned job in society. However, as the story progressed so did Ivan’s life. At the end of the story Ivan had those around him because they were all phony and pretended to care for him. Throughout Ivan’s Death it was clear no one cared about Ivan even though he did lead an ideal life.
The Death of Ivan Ilych begins where Ivan’s death is having already occurred. Ivan’s friends didn’t even care much for him because they felt it was a hassle to even offer their condolences. Tolstoy introduces Peter Ivanovich, this guy was Ivan’s longest friend. He had known Ivan ever since early childhood till late adulthood. Even Peter doesn’t want to go to the funeral he rather play Bridge with his friends. When he goes to visit Ivan, Peter begins to think about his death coming soon. He quickly enters a state of denial and confusion because he doesn’t want to think about death and when in the presence of Ivan’s body he starts to cross himself and bow because he thinks if he doesn’t his death will soon come. As the story progresses, Ivan begins to isolate himself from society and family. His work shortened his life and allowed Ivan not to think about death coming because he was so occupied. He was so into his work that he did not have time to relax and devote time to his family. As Ivan became more successful in work he had lost two children and didn’t care much for them because he was more concerned about money. He believed if he worked so much he would set his life for the latter part of his life.
In chapter four, Ivan is told that he has very little time to live. Ivan was told that he had a kidney disease (floating kidney) so he devotes every second of his life thinking about death. Ivan believes he can cure himself if he uses the method of mind over matter but he quickly learns he cannot because his symptoms are too much to handle and only make him think more about death. Due to his fatal situation his perception of life changed. For example he questions life, challenges god, and emits hate and disgust towards his wife. He also enters a state of denial and begins to evaluate his life. He is so disgusted and frustrated with life because he has not reached his expectations. Ivan Ilych constantly wishes for death and thinks about his past life. Once he realized he has a lost touch with life he confines himself to his sofa and asks questions that he cannot answer nor can anyone else help him answer them. Towards the end of the book he understands that death is unavoidable. Even though he knows everyone wants him to die except his son he displaces his hatred towards his friends, doctors, and family that he forgives his wife and dies peacefully. During the last minutes of his life he embraced what his life was missing and that, that had been missing was his life was straightforward and it was awful because it was common and not what Ivan wanted.
My reflection on this book is as follows: I very much liked the story it wasn’t interesting but it showed the common process of death. I realized that my perception of death has changed. Before I thought that if I died I would very much die like Ivan but after many revaluations of my life I have accepted my death if I was to die tomorrow because I have accomplished many things in my life. I am proud because I don’t fear death and instead accept this stage of passing. I didn’t like Ivan’s death because it demonstrated that he had no purpose in life and died without respect and pride. However, if I was put in his situation I won’t die without pride I would like to die “big” with respect and when I die I will die with pride because I know my head will be held high and I won’t go easy into the ground. I would also not be angry with the world and hate those that are close to me because Ivan thought everyone had lied and pretended they cared but Ivan knows they care and love him a lot.
The Death of Ivan Ilych begins where Ivan’s death is having already occurred. Ivan’s friends didn’t even care much for him because they felt it was a hassle to even offer their condolences. Tolstoy introduces Peter Ivanovich, this guy was Ivan’s longest friend. He had known Ivan ever since early childhood till late adulthood. Even Peter doesn’t want to go to the funeral he rather play Bridge with his friends. When he goes to visit Ivan, Peter begins to think about his death coming soon. He quickly enters a state of denial and confusion because he doesn’t want to think about death and when in the presence of Ivan’s body he starts to cross himself and bow because he thinks if he doesn’t his death will soon come. As the story progresses, Ivan begins to isolate himself from society and family. His work shortened his life and allowed Ivan not to think about death coming because he was so occupied. He was so into his work that he did not have time to relax and devote time to his family. As Ivan became more successful in work he had lost two children and didn’t care much for them because he was more concerned about money. He believed if he worked so much he would set his life for the latter part of his life.
In chapter four, Ivan is told that he has very little time to live. Ivan was told that he had a kidney disease (floating kidney) so he devotes every second of his life thinking about death. Ivan believes he can cure himself if he uses the method of mind over matter but he quickly learns he cannot because his symptoms are too much to handle and only make him think more about death. Due to his fatal situation his perception of life changed. For example he questions life, challenges god, and emits hate and disgust towards his wife. He also enters a state of denial and begins to evaluate his life. He is so disgusted and frustrated with life because he has not reached his expectations. Ivan Ilych constantly wishes for death and thinks about his past life. Once he realized he has a lost touch with life he confines himself to his sofa and asks questions that he cannot answer nor can anyone else help him answer them. Towards the end of the book he understands that death is unavoidable. Even though he knows everyone wants him to die except his son he displaces his hatred towards his friends, doctors, and family that he forgives his wife and dies peacefully. During the last minutes of his life he embraced what his life was missing and that, that had been missing was his life was straightforward and it was awful because it was common and not what Ivan wanted.
My reflection on this book is as follows: I very much liked the story it wasn’t interesting but it showed the common process of death. I realized that my perception of death has changed. Before I thought that if I died I would very much die like Ivan but after many revaluations of my life I have accepted my death if I was to die tomorrow because I have accomplished many things in my life. I am proud because I don’t fear death and instead accept this stage of passing. I didn’t like Ivan’s death because it demonstrated that he had no purpose in life and died without respect and pride. However, if I was put in his situation I won’t die without pride I would like to die “big” with respect and when I die I will die with pride because I know my head will be held high and I won’t go easy into the ground. I would also not be angry with the world and hate those that are close to me because Ivan thought everyone had lied and pretended they cared but Ivan knows they care and love him a lot.
No comments:
Post a Comment