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Death of Ivan Ilych

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1. The Death of Ivan Ilych.
Leo Tolstoy’s, The Death of Ivan Ilyich, portrays a man who has squandered his entire existence with the inability to perceive the likelihood of his own demise. Tolstoy depicts the physical deterioration of Ilych’s life and the subsequent revelations that he has at the time of his death. His physical dismay is brought on by an accident while decorating his home. Ilych’s spiritual rejuvenation is brought on by the recognition of his oncoming death and his subsisted shallow life. He is a man with total disregard towards the emotions and sufferings of others. His chosen companions obtain the same attitudes towards life. These individuals only look towards prominence, control and proprietary gains in life.
Ilyich is regarded as a successful man; he is a high court judge and is among the professional class of 19th-century Russia. He has died at the age of 45 but seems to have lived a good life and been given many prominent opportunities. The exception to his success is one denied job promotion and the dreadful relationship he has with his wife and family.
The novel begins shortly after Ilych’s demise. His colleagues learn of his death through a newspaper announcement. A few of the men are stunned to learn of his death and have a hard time comprehending how someone so close to them in age and station has died. The only comfort these men receive is from knowing that it is Ivan Ilych who has died; they praise God that the dying man is not them. The men then start considering the benefits of money and advancement opportunities that Ilych’s passing brings them. These men are so caught up in their existence, that they are unable to understand death or even conceive their own. Even the thought of having to offer their condolences to Ilych’s grieving family seems like a burden to these men.
No one seems to be deeply affected by

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