Question

In chapters1–4 of his novella, how does Tolstoy portray Ivan Ilyich’s priorities in life?

Answer 1

Upon hearing of Ivan Ilych’s death, his friends thought about “the changes and promotions it might occasion among themselves or their acquaintances.” This is noteworthy as it depicts how strongly these men feel about their social status in terms of wealth and jobs. The lack of selflessness displayed by Ivan Ilych’s friends and colleagues also reveals that they did not care for Ivan Ilych as true friends typically would. In addition, Ivan Ilych’s friends seem to be agitated over the fact that they have to “fulfill the very tiresome demands of propriety by attending the funeral service and paying a visit of condolence to the widow.” This is quite surprising as typical ‘friends’ would not see these tasks as a burden but rather as significant duties to be completed for a beloved one.

Moreover, in the beginning of chapter three Ivan Ilych receives a higher paying position and therefore his relationship with his wife Praskovya Fedorovna beings to improve. Ivan Ilych also finds a delightful house for his family. This is important as it signifies that Ivan Ilych has reached a specific social standing, one that he was yearning for. Once Tolstoy describes this fortunate life that Ivan Ilych is living, he indirectly suggests Ilych’s downfall. For example, Ivan Ilych slips from a step-ladder and bruises himself. This particular instance can be referred to as symbolic as Tolstoy may be foreshadowing Ivan Ilych’s death in his fall from the step-ladder. It is evident that falling from a step-ladder means falling from a high place and thus reaching a lower place/ the bottom. This relates to Ivan Ilych’s fall as Tolstoy may be hinting that Ivan Ilych’s literal fall may also be a figurative fall in his social status or more importantly, his life. Additionally, Tolstoy is implying that conforming to established standards of society may result in deathly consequences. Therefore, now that Ivan Ilych has conformed and made his way to the top, he will have to deal with the consequences.

Furthermore, Ivan Ilych becomes cognizant of the severity of his illness in chapter four while praying bridge with his friends. This part of the chapter is rather intriguing as Ivan Ilych finally perceives his life for what it really is. He sees that making a grand slam is ridiculous while he is dealing with “that gnawing pain, that taste in his mouth.” Therefore, Ivan Ilych misses the grand slam and genuinely does not care. It is significant to realize that while Ivan Ilych does not care about playing bridge, he deeply cares about the fact that he had “no one who understood or pitied him.” This demonstrates that his illness is shining light on the fact that after conforming to the standards of society and reaching at his social position, Ivan Ilych is alone in dealing with his sickness. Additionally, Ivan Ilych is learning that life is not always about social rank/standing and that there is indeed a life outside of the secluded world he created for himself