The Death of Ivan Ilyich

Leo Tolstoy wrote and published the novella The Death of Ivan Ilyich in 1886. It tells the story of Ivan Ilyich, a high-ranking Russian bureaucrat, and his gradual realization of his own mortality as he faces a terminal illness.

The novella begins with the news of Ivan Ilyich's death, which prompts his colleagues to reflect on their own mortality briefly before resuming their daily lives. The narrative then shifts back in time to explore Ivan Ilyich's life and the events leading up to his death.

Tolstoy portrays Ivan Ilyich as an ambitious and successful man who prioritizes social status and material possessions. However, when Ilyich realizes his illness is terminal, his life takes a drastic turn. As his health deteriorates, Ivan Ilyich experiences physical pain and confronts the inevitability of his mortality.

Throughout the novella, Tolstoy explores themes of existentialism, the search for meaning, and the nature of a life well-lived. Ivan Ilyich's illness forces him to question the values and choices that have defined his existence. He realizes that his pursuit of external success and societal approval has left him unfulfilled and detached from genuine human connections.

As Ivan Ilyich grapples with his impending doom, he undergoes a spiritual and philosophical transformation. He seeks solace and understanding, yearning for a deeper meaning to life beyond superficial achievements and societal expectations.