The Death of Ivan Ilyich

by Leo Tolstoy

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Student Question

Is Ilych's death in "The Death of Ivan Ilych" a moral judgment or punishment for his life?

Quick answer:

Ilych's death in "The Death of Ivan Ilych" can be seen as a moral judgment on his life. As he reflects on his past, he realizes his adult life was focused on materialistic achievements rather than genuine happiness. His inability to die peacefully until he finds sympathy for his family suggests a need for spiritual enlightenment. His injury, sustained while admiring his home, symbolizes the moral corruption of his life goals.

Expert Answers

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Ilych's thought process and his descent into memory are the best evidence for the moral judgement being placed on his life.  As he weakens, Ilych longs for the happy life that he once lived.  But given the time to focus on it, he understands that while his childhood was happy, his adult life has been a pursuit of goals and materialistic recognition, and has been devoid of happiness.  The fact that he is actually not able to die until he has found sympathy for his family reinforces the need for him to undergo spiritual enlightenment.  He has not lived his life well; he has wasted it on the trivial, and he must understand that in order to let go of the pain and be at peace.

Incidentally, Ilych's injury is symbolic of this judgment.  Hurting himself as his admires his "achievement" of a respectable home proves that this goal was one of moral corruption.

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