The Death Of Ivan Ilyich Analysis

The initial impression of The Death of Ivan Ilyich leads the reader to believe the story is about a lonely man facing the solitude and futility of death. A closer look at Leo Tolstoy's materpiece reveals a more sprititual interpretation that focuses on the dangers of chasing after the facade associated with fame and fortune. This spiritual interpretation directs the reader to conclude that focusing on the blessings of family and friends is more important than aspiring to climb the ladder of success. Other reviews of this work develop the theory that Tolstoy was trying to protray Ivan as a global representation of the common man. However this theory does not coincide with the rather despicable character traits that Ivan possesses. The Death of Ivan Illyich implies that death neutralizes all social levels, minimizes all financial accomplishments, and highlights the importance of moral satisfaction. In the end a person's wealth and material possessions are of less importance than the knowlege that a person's life was lived in a just and honourable manner.
In the Death of Ivan
His focus was on developing shallow relationships with members of a class of society he aspired to become a part of. Ivan's focus on pursuing job advancement takes precedence over providing a stable paternal figure for his family. Ivan also placed a higher importance on propriety and etiquette in the performance of his job duties, than employing compassion for the unfortunate souls under his legal purview. Ivan's reflection on his superficial pursuits through the course of his life, exacerbates his painful death. This ultimately supports the hidden moral of Tolstoy's story, that life is better lived enjoying the blessings of one's social status than chasing the material desires associated with the upper