In short, Tolstoy is critical of the way Russian society and its people are detached from one another.
To those around him, the fact that he is dying is just bothersome, as they need to actually pay attention to him and care for him as he cannot do that himself. Ivan's only comfort is Gerasim who actually understands him and empathizes with Ivan and his difficult situation. He is showing humanity that others don't.
A historical account or biography written from personal knowledge or special sources.
"That very justification of his life held him fast and prevented his moving forward, and it caused him most torment of all."
which aspects of the topic to discuss
