1. we should help those who are in need
2. a message about life
Because in those times, African Americans were rarely believed in court and he was afraid that even if he told to truth, he would be found guilty.
When Ivan developed an illness, his character developed from being self-centered to being compassionate. By facing his own death, he began to examine his life. Gerasim, the one who helps Ivan during his sickness, was also a factor to his character development.
