How does the character of Gerasim help the protagonist to attain spiritual freedom in Tolstoy’s The Death of Ivan Ilyich?

Gerasim helps Ivan attain spiritual freedom through honesty and kindness. He is the one person in Ivan's life who is truly compassionate. He is also the only person who helps Ivan face the reality of death. Gerasim helps Ivan accept his coming death with grace, and it is through Gerasim's goodness and simplicity that Ivan can experience the same.