Mortality and Unfulfillment in Tolstoy’s “The Death of Ivan Ilych”

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Table of Contents

Introduction
The Moral Development of Ivan Ilych
The Theme of Mortality and Unfulfillment in Tolstoy’s Work
The Role of Religion in Ivan’s Moral Development
The Importance of Facing Death with A Moral Compass
Ivan’s Life Choices
Conclusion
Works Cited

Introduction

Tolstoy’s novel, “The Death of Ivan Ilych,” is a meditation on life and morality, as seen through the eyes of a man who is nearing the end of his life. The protagonist, Ivan Ilych, is a middle-aged lawyer with a comfortable lifestyle (Tolstoy 53). Although he is successful in his career, he has not achieved any meaningful purpose. His life is unfulfilled and lacking in meaning. Ivan’s work is a source of stress and unhappiness, and he cannot find joy in anything (Tolstoy 65). As he approaches death, he begins to question his choices and the morality of his life. Therefore, through the story, Tolstoy explores the idea that an unfulfilled life is ethically wrong and suggests that an individual must strive for something more than material success to lead a meaningful and decent life.

The Moral Development of Ivan Ilych

Ethical development is essential to Leo Tolstoy’s novel, “The Death of Ivan Ilych.” The novel tells the story of a man’s journey from a life of materialism and social conformity to an understanding of the value of morality and spiritualism (Tolstoy 76). Through Ivan’s death, Tolstoy explores the moral development of the protagonist and how his death leads to a new understanding of life’s meaning. Tolstoy illustrates the importance of recognizing one’s mortality and the need to make the most of the time given. As Ivan nears death, his thoughts become increasingly focused on his life and the mistakes he has made (Tolstoy 85). He begins to reflect on what is truly important and to think about those around him. Ivan realizes that he has not been living for others and instead has been selfish and egotistical.

Throughout the novel, Tolstoy uses Ivan Ilych’s death to convey the moral development of his protagonist. His materialistic and socially conforming lifestyle consumes him, but as his death approaches, he gains a new understanding of life’s meaning (Zumhagen-Yekplé 89). He realizes that his materialistic pursuits and social obligations have been keeping him from experiencing true joy and fulfillment in life. In addition, he realizes that his life is not as meaningful as he once thought it was. As he begins to accept his mortality, Ivan finds solace in prayer and meditation, and he can find peace and contentment in his final moments (Tolstoy 84). Using Ivan’s moral development, Tolstoy highlights the importance of living a meaningful life that serves others and not just oneself.

In the novel, Ivan is faced with his mortality, and his life story showcases his moral development in the face of death. Ivan comprehends as he recalls his life that he has been living with a false sense of morality and simplistic values. He begins to explore what true morality and personal growth look like (Tolstoy 83). For example, Ivan realizes that he has been striving for material success and social acceptability and that these pursuits have led to moral bankruptcy. He reflects, “[h]e had spent his life in pursuit of trivialities and so had lost sight of what was essential” (Tolstoy 57). Through this realization, Ivan can recognize that his life has been largely empty and meaningless and that he has failed to prioritize the truly important things.

The Theme of Mortality and Unfulfillment in Tolstoy’s Work

Tolstoy’s “The Death of Ivan Ilych” is a powerful exploration of mortality and unfulfilled life. Although Ivan is a successful attorney who is content with his life, he has no real understanding of what constitutes true happiness (Tolstoy 53). As his life deteriorates, he realizes that he has been living without meaning and that his death is inevitable. He experiences great regret and sorrow as he is forced to confront his mortality and unfulfilled life. The story is a stark reminder that life is fleeting and that making the most of it while possible is important. Tolstoy emphasizes this point by depicting Ivan’s death as a moment of great sorrow, where he is forced to confront the truth of his life (79). He realizes that he has wasted his life and that his death will be empty and without purpose.

Tolstoy’s use of symbolism throughout the story further emphasizes Ivan’s mortality and unfulfillment. His death is symbolized by a dark room, a metaphor for death’s darkness and the end of life (Tolstoy 87). Furthermore, the light of day that Ivan longs for symbolizes his hope to break free from the hold of death and find some peace and comfort. The imagery of the window that Ivan looks out of symbolizes his desire to transcend his limited earthly existence and search for a higher, spiritual purpose. Ultimately, Tolstoy’s ‘The Death of Ivan Ilych’ is a powerful exploration of mortality and unfulfillment. Through its use of symbolism, the author presents a compelling examination of what it means to be alive and the ultimately futile nature of life’s pursuits.

Moreover, Tolstoy’s use of mortality is apparent early in the story as Ivan is diagnosed with a terminal illness. As Ivan begins to accept his death, Tolstoy uses it to demonstrate the fragility of life and how easily it could be taken away (Grešš Halász et al. 1705). The reality of death is further highlighted when Ivan reflects on his life and realizes it was lived without purpose or fulfillment. In his last moments, he experiences a moment of clarity that leads him to a spiritual epiphany and his ultimate acceptance of death. It serves to remind readers of the importance of living life to its fullest and cherishing every moment (Choi 154). Therefore, by highlighting the fragility of life and the emptiness of an unfulfilled life, Tolstoy’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of valuing life and its experiences.

The Role of Religion in Ivan’s Moral Development

Tolstoy’s “The Death of Ivan Ilych” is a story of the moral transformation of Ivan Ilych through his suffering. Religion plays a critical role in his moral development, starting from his denial of death and stubbornness to life (Kuhn 193). When faced with the reality of his mortality, Ivan Ilych is forced to confront the meaninglessness of his life. He is desperate to find a way to make sense of it. He then turns to religion and finds solace in believing that death might be the beginning of something greater. Through his faith, Ivan finds the courage to accept death and his life as it was and make peace with them (Tolstoy 73). This transformation of Ivan Ilych illustrates how religion can provide strength, comfort, and hope for people facing death. Religion helps Ivan find solace and courage, ultimately resulting in his moral development.

Throughout the novel, Tolstoy examines how Ivan’s religious beliefs shape his view of morality. According to Hibbs and Hallam, although Ivan has never been particularly religious, he is aware that he has not lived a moral life (476). He has been selfish and has focused on material possessions instead of spiritual ones. As his illness progresses, Ivan begins to recognize the importance of leading a moral life and takes religion’s teachings more seriously (Kuhn 195). He begins to pray for forgiveness and the strength to live his remaining days with dignity. In the end, Ivan’s newfound faith gives him the strength to accept his mortality and die peacefully. Through Ivan’s story, Tolstoy explores the role of religion in moral development and how religion can provide comfort and solace in times of suffering.

The Importance of Facing Death with A Moral Compass

In Leo Tolstoy’s “The Death of Ivan Ilych,” the concept of the importance of facing death with a moral compass is explored through Ivan’s moral development. At the novel’s beginning, Ivan is driven by the ambition to gain social status, wealth, and material possessions (Kim 59). He lives an immoral life of selfishness and pride, and he is completely ignorant that life is fleeting. As his death approaches, Ivan begins to reflect on his life and realizes his pursuits’ vanity. He realizes that he has neglected morality and must face death with a moral compass. He begins to understand love and compassion and becomes aware of the importance of living a meaningful life (Tolstoy 75). He makes a moral shift and is determined to leave a legacy of kindness, generosity, and love. Thus, this powerful story conveys the idea that death should not be feared but embraced with a moral compass.

Moreover, in his suffering, Ivan finds comfort in the words of a priest who speaks of “the Kingdom of Heaven.” Ivan yearns for the assurance of eternal life, and he begins to turn towards prayer and contemplation of his life (Matthew 413). This is a major turning point in Ivan’s moral development, as he begins questioning his life and searching for meaning in death. Ivan eventually realizes that he has been living a life of lies and vanity, and he begins to focus on cultivating a moral compass that will guide him in his final days. He has learned to appreciate the people in his life and found solace in the knowledge of a higher power (Tolstoy 74). Therefore, Ivan’s moral development is a testament to the importance of facing death with a moral compass and a powerful reminder of the power of self-reflection in the face of death.

Ivan’s Life Choices

“The Death of Ivan Ilych” by Leo Tolstoy is an example of how a person’s life choices can shape their moral development. At the story’s beginning, Ivan dedicated his life to pursuing wealth, power, and status (Tolstoy 54). His life choices lead him to become a successful lawyer, distance himself from his family, and lead a shallow existence. He is constantly preoccupied with materialistic concerns and disconnected from any true spiritual meaning. However, as Ivan’s illness progresses, he begins to see the consequences of his life choices (Tolstoy 74). He understands that he has been living a superficial life and has neglected his relationships and spiritual development.

In “The Death of Ivan Ilych,” Tolstoy uses Ivan to demonstrate how life choices can shape a person’s moral development. Ivan’s life story is a cautionary tale of how a life dedicated to materialistic pursuits can lead to unhappiness and regret (Tolstoy 73). At the same time, it serves as an example of how a person can find spiritual redemption, even in the face of death. In addition, Ivan’s journey from a shallow life of privilege to a meaningful life of spiritual growth is a testament to the power of reflection, repentance, and acceptance. Through his example, Tolstoy shows that, even in death, people can still make choices that shape their moral development. Tolstoy paints a powerful image of Ivan’s mortality and the story serves as a reminder of the importance of cherishing life and pursuing meaningful goals.

Conclusion

Through Ivan’s transformation, Tolstoy demonstrates the importance of an individual’s pursuit of meaning and morality in life rather than a focus on material success. Ivan begins to comprehend the wickedness of ignoring his spiritual well-being just as he nears his demise and realizes that he has led an unfulfilled life. Tolstoy’s message is clear: no matter how well one prospers in the material world if one is not living a life of true meaning, they have failed to experience the life one was meant to. Through Ivan’s suffering and eventual death, Tolstoy shows that life not focused on what truly matters, such as relationships and living a meaningful life, is morally wrong. Ivan’s death exemplifies how an unfulfilled life can lead to a meaningless existence. To live a moral life, one must strive for something more than mere material success.

Works Cited

Choi, Inson. “Space, Time, and Rhetorical Meaning in Tolstoy’s the Death of Ivan Ilyich.” Korean Journal of Rhetoric, vol. 38, 2020, pp. 143–169, Web.

Grešš Halász, Beáta, et al. “Nurses’ Knowledge and Attitudes towards Prevention of Pressure Ulcers.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 18, no. 4, 2021, p. 1705, Web.

Hibbs, Stephen, and Simon Hallam. “In Search of Gerasim Moments (the Death of Ivan Ilyich).” HemaSphere, vol. 4, no. 6, 2020, p. e476, Web.

Kim, Mi Jung. “Bibliotherapy Text Read from the Perspective of Spiritual Care – Tolstoy’s the Death of Ivan Ilyich.” Korean Association of Bibliotherapy, vol. 14, no. 1, 2022, pp. 55–72, Web.

Kuhn, Lina. “Nordau, Darkly: The Degenerating Aesthetics of Frank Norris’s Vandover and the Brute.” Studies in American Naturalism, vol. 14, no. 2, 2020, pp. 180–202, Web.

Matthew, Iain. “Memory, and Hope in Eternal Life. ‘The Memory Has Changed into Eternal Apprehensions of Glory’ (2N 4.2).” Teresianum, vol. 70, no. 2, June 2019, pp. 403–435, Web.

Tolstoy, Leo. Death of Iván Ílich; an Electronic Study Edition of the Russian Text, edited by Gary R. Jahn. University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing, 2020, pp. 11-243.

Zumhagen-Yekplé, Karen. A Different Order of Difficulty. University of Chicago Press, 2020.

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