Conformity In The Death Of Ivan Illych

In the novella the Death of Ivan Illych Tolstoy states the life of Ivan Illych is “most simple and most ordinary and therefore most terrible” and in order to make sense of this statement in the context of the story the author portrays Ivan as a common, unassuming conformist that is more concerned with meeting society’s standards than making his own choices. In his development of Ivan’s character combined with analysis of his life choices, Tolstoy criticizes a very shallow, materialistic society dominated by aristocrats simply concerned with obtaining status and indulging in pleasures instead of living real, authentic lives.
The relationships that Ivan becomes involved in are a clear indicator of his conformity to what is accepted by society.