The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo Tolstoy

The Death of Ivan Ilyich, written by Leo Tolstoy, is a novella that explores the subject of mortality, particularly in respect to one's own mortality. It is the story of Ivan Ilyich, a lawyer who has reached the peak of his career and is well-loved by his peers, who finds himself grappling with an inexplicable illness that may be terminal. The novella follows Ivan's journey as he confronts his mortality, as well as the emotional journey taken by his family, who struggle with the acknowledgement of his impending death. The story of Ivan Ilyich is considered to be a classic of literature, and over a century later, the novel continues to spark intense conversations about life and death.

The story of Ivan is relatively simple. Ivan is a successful lawyer and magistrate who is widely considered to be a model citizen. He was born into a well-to-do family and, as a result, had access to the highest educational institutions and career paths. As a lawyer, Ivan worked diligently to ensure that his cases were well-prepared, and he quickly moved up the ranks at his workplace. He married Praskovya Fedorovna and was content with his life until he was suddenly stricken with an unknown illness.

At first, Ivan refuses to accept that his illness may be terminal. However, as his symptoms worsen, he is forced to accept the inevitability of his own mortality. Despite his efforts to obtain the best medical care, the treatments used to relieve his pain are unable to prevent his body from deteriorating. During this time, Ivan reflects on his life and the decisions he has made while gradually coming to terms with his death. Through a series of flashbacks, the reader is introduced to characters who are important in Ivan's life, such as his wife, daughter, and friends.

The Death of Ivan Ilyich is a novella that does not glamorize death or pass judgment on it either. Instead, it tells a story of a man's journey through his own mortality. Throughout the story, the reader is exposed to Ivan's thoughts and feelings as he accepts and comes to terms with his death. The reader is shown that in the face of death, any individual will experience a range of emotions, ranging from anger to regret. Additionally, the novella shows Ivan's family struggling to accept his death, and how those close to him are impacted by the news of his impending death.

At the heart of the novella is the central moral that death is an unavoidable part of life. Ivan's death serves as a reminder for the reader to make the most of life, and to acknowledge that there is no guarantee of a healthy lifetime. Ultimately, the story of Ivan serves as a reminder of the importance of living one's life in a meaningful way and to take time to reflect on our own mortality. Over a century since the novel's release, The Death of Ivan Ilyich is still relevant and appreciated in its ability to encourage the reader to contemplate their own mortality and life’s purpose.