Ivan Ilyich displays many examples of insincerity. He belonged to the bourgeoisie, the rich middle class of Russian society in the mid-nineteenth century. The bourgeoisie were influential people who held wealth and status. They often resorted to compromises and lies to get what they wanted. Tolstoy portrays Ivan Ilyich as being more attached to his social status and material possessions than he is to his family.
Even Ivan Ilyich’s daughter, Lisa, reflects his superficial and selfish attitude toward life. Tolstoy describes how Lisa, who is engaged to be married, is “impatient with [her father’s] illness, suffering, and death, because they interfered with her happiness.”
Ivan Ilyich’s petty life has not prepared him to face death with dignity. When he learns that he is dying, he is overwhelmed by fear and self-pity. Here’s how Tolstoy describes his protagonist’s emotions:
Ivan Ilyich becomes painfully aware of the insincerity in his life as his death approaches, and it begins to torment him.
