Question

At the end of “The Death of Ivan Iliych” by Leo Tolstoy, what is his message to the audience and why? What are some important details from the story that support this message?

Answer 1

Note: This response is in UK English, please paste the response to MS Word and you should be able to spot discrepancies easily. You may elaborate the answer based on personal views or your classwork if necessary.

(Answer) Ironically, the story, “The Death of Ivan Ilyich” revolves around the life of Iliych and culminates at the time of his death. Tolstoy uses the narration of this protagonist’s life to describe his death. Tolstoy in a way describes his own emotions and thoughts about death by describing the death of Iliych.

The life of Iliych is painful and full of struggles. He has unsuccessful relationships and struggles without any respite. In current times, one would say that Iliych simply could not “catch a break.” All of life’s stress seemed to weigh down on him and Iliych, just like most of us, began to loathe “struggle.”

Ilyich's feelings are evident when Tolstoy personifies “pain” when the protagonist has a conversation with it. Iliych speaks with his own pain and aguishly asks, “Why are you here?” “Pain” as a character, simply responds, “No reason.”

Tolstoy uses this writing instrument to further solidify his views that death can actually be not a fearful but more like a release where pain cannot touch the mind anymore. Furthermore, Iliych tries to make his life meaningful so that he can have a better death.

When he is diagnosed with cancer, he buys himself a new hat and a beer to please himself. Also, he builds a playground for children in a poor neighbourhood. This is his deed for others, which ensures him as peaceful death.