To Replace Death with Light: Ideals and Selflessness in The Death of Ivan Ilyich Isabel Acedo College

What a worthwhile life entails remains unknown, but not undebated. For instance, Leo Tolstoy’s 19th century novella The Death of Ivan Ilyich features Ivan Ilyich, a Russian man devoted to living his life in accordance with the wills of his superficial bourgeoisie society so that he may experience a worthwhile life. Being raised in a well-provided for household, he never thought to question this materialistic and facile lifestyle. As an adult, he sets out to realize it and is marginally successful; however, he finds the authenticities that his familial duties require of him oppose his expectations for himself, and so he absorbs himself in his work to avoid them. At age 45, he becomes plagued with a mysterious, fatal illness that renders him feeble and full of self-pity. His only solace throughout his sickness is his helper Gerasim, who does not shy away from the unforgiving illness, but selflessly aids Ivan as he struggles with coping with his symptoms and impending death. During his moments, he finally accepts the little value his life possessed. He dies, as a last act of selflessness for his onlooking family and to rectify the wrongness of his life. Tolstoy’s novella The Death of Ivan Ilyich, then, exalts a selfless life...