The Death of Ivan Ilyich

Summary

Widely considered one of the greatest novellas ever written, Leo Tolstoy’s masterpiece follows the life and agonizing decline of Ivan Ilyich, a high-court judge in 19th-century Russia. Having spent his entire life climbing the social ladder and adhering to a strict code of "decorum," Ivan believes he has lived a perfect, successful life. However, after a seemingly minor injury leads to a terminal and mysterious illness, his world of status and vanity begins to crumble. As Ivan faces the terrifying reality of his approaching death, he is forced to confront the emptiness of his shallow relationships and the artificiality of his middle-class existence. While his family and colleagues treat his suffering as an inconvenience, only his humble peasant servant, Gerasim, provides genuine compassion and honesty. This profound psychological journey moves from physical pain to spiritual awakenin…