Tolstoy's The Death Of Ivan Ilyich

“The Death of Ivan Ilyich” makes us understand that death is a must for all of us. This is a fact that we unpleasantly believe in; the bitter aspect being that we have to suffer first before facing death. Though our medicines may be better than those applied on Ivan by his doctors, we have not gotten closer to evading mortality (Tolstoy, 1886). Nowadays medicine might be better than the medicine that Ivan had . In fact, many people still die after long fight with disease . The story helps us understand what individuals go through before or when they are dying,
According to the author , the primary features of human nature are mortality and pain. Ivan lives a carefree a life that is “most simple and ordinary therefore most terrible (Tolstoy, 1886).” Like other people, he understands that he sails through his life climbing a social ladder: with a wife who demands too much than he can afford. Also, he suffers a lot as he tries to work his way up so as to become a magistrate. Basically, Ivan’s focus on his work more than his family his family life becomes intolerable.
According to Tolstoy pain is inevitable in human nature .
This is depicted where Ivan falls awkwardly and hurts his side as he was trying to hang curtains for his novel home. He doesn’t concentrate much on the fall until he starts experiencing pains on his side. His behavior towards his family grows irritable as the pain brings discomfort to him. Finally, his wife suggests that he visits a physician. As cited in the story, the physician cannot ascertain the primary cause of his pain, though it emerges that his condition is terminal. Disturbed by this diagnosis, Ivan tries all his best to find cure for his worsening condition (Tolstoy, 1886). The pain grows so intense that he is forced to stop working and thus spends most of his time in bed receiving
treatment.
At the time of his painful process of death, Ivan perceives that he is not supposed to undergo pain since he has lived rightly. His idea is that one is entitled to pain/ suffering if he/she has not lived a good life. In this regard, pain and death are senseless since they attach even the righteous. Tolstoy started to hate his family because they were only thinking that his sick and that Tolstoy will not die . However, he finds comfort in Gerasim, his peasant boy , Because he is the only person Ivan found that doesn’t fear death
During the final days of his life, Ivan understands his artificial life; one that makes him fear death. On the other hand, he understands another form of life commonly known as authentic life, such as that of Gerasim.. Ultimately, as Ivan is till bed- ridden, some “force” strikes his chest and side revealing to him an aspect of forgiveness as a way or relieving pain. In this case, the developed strong hate towards his daughter and wife disappears, and instead feels pity for them. He hopes that his death would set them free. Due to the idea of forgiveness, the pain disappears and hence the fear of death. This is an indicator that there is a significant relation between pain and mortality as features of human nature. As noted by Tolstoy (1886), pain is part of the process of dying, and the only way to avert pain is by having a positive mindset towards others.