Comments on Leo Tolstoy's "The Death of Ivan Ilyich"

In Ronald Blythe's introduction to Leo Tolstoy's classic novella "The Death of Ivan Ilyich," Blythe notes that the book "evokes the sheer desolating aloneness of dying," referring to the fashion in which Ivan dies: with none of his loved ones by his side. At an first glance, this thematic observation may seem a relevant and noteworthy comment; however, if one steps back and re-examines the novella as a whole, it seems quite possible that maybe the story is much less about the isolation in death and much more about the importance having loved ones at one's side during that time of passing. Using Ivan's demise his method of delivery, Tolstoy sends a powerful and significant message, showing us that the more one is alone in his or her life, the more he or she will be alone in death.

Upon closer inspection to the downfall of Ivan, we witness many factors that lead to his being alone in death. Perhaps the most noticeable factor is his horrible relationship with his wife. Annoyed with her shallow disposition and constant nagging and realizing that he married the woman for all the wrong reasons, Ivan has much trouble getting along with his wife and consequently seeks refuge in his work. As a result, he becomes alienated from her throughout his life and, except for one brief period, they are not able to reconcile their differences.

As the plot carries on, we also learn that this detachment from Praskovya Fedorovna transcends his relationship with his daughter as well, who is, in many ways, much better connected to her mother than her father. This is probably mostly his fault, as is his marriage troubles are, but nevertheless, that absence of connection between his daughter and him further renders him alone and isolated at the time of his death.

Furthermore, Ivan's friendships, or lack thereof, are also another set of reasons why he finds himself without anyone at the time of his death. Due to his constant moves throughout Russia while taking new judicial positions, he never secures any deep friendships that last for long periods of time, despite his frequent use of work as an escape from his household troubles. In addition, he also constantly keeps his personal life separated from his official life, impeding his ability to form personal friendships in a professional setting. As a result, the relationships he does make with people happen to be shallow and without much meaning, leaving co-workers longing for his position rather than his survival when he falls ill.

In the end, all these factors lead to an alone and miserable Ivan, who remains confused as to why no one understands or cares for the fact he may die any day. In his confusion, he reacts only with anger, upset that no one has the common decency to at least try to show compassion for his condition; however, this anger simply pushes those around him further way, especially his wife and his daughter, to whom he constantly orders to go away and leave him alone in his last moments on earth. Only those who weren't so near to him before the illness, such as the young servant Gerasim, can become close to Ivan. Without any personal history to provide conflict, Ivan and Gerasim are able to develop a close relationship and Ivan is finally able to find someone who understands and cares for him in this time of need.

Therefore, in light of the incredibly sad and depressing death of Ivan, it seems quite apparent that Tolstoy's true intention was to demonstrate the importance of developing close ties with those one loves the most so that he or she does not meet a similar fate. And, thus, by learning from these mistakes, we can ensure ourselves a family-filled and intimate passing surrounded by those who truly care and love for us. (644)