Top 100 Literature Essay Topics - 2023

The theme of mortality in “The Death of Ivan Ilyich” by Leo Tolstoy

Leo Tolstoy's novella "The Death of Ivan Ilyich" is a powerful exploration of the theme of mortality, which is examined through the lens of one man's life and death. Through the use of artistic details and imagery, Tolstoy masterfully portrays the journey of Ivan Ilyich towards his ultimate demise, highlighting the various stages of acceptance and denial that he goes through along the way.

The novella opens with the announcement of Ivan Ilyich's death, and from the very beginning, the reader is presented with the stark reality of mortality. Throughout the story, Tolstoy employs a variety of imagery to convey the fragility and transience of life. For instance, he repeatedly uses the metaphor of a train to represent the unstoppable march of time, and the inevitability of death. This is particularly evident in the opening passage, where the train is described as "a lively little engine... puffing out its smoke and moving noiselessly along the rails," a vivid image that captures the relentless advance of time.

As the story unfolds, Tolstoy paints a picture of Ivan Ilyich's life, highlighting his materialistic values and his obsession with status and prestige. Ivan is depicted as a man who is consumed by the pursuit of success and social recognition, to the point where he is willing to compromise his own principles and values in order to achieve his goals. However, as he approaches death, Ivan begins to reflect on the emptiness and futility of his life, and starts to question the very values that had driven him for so long.

Tolstoy uses a range of symbols and metaphors to convey Ivan's inner turmoil and growing awareness of his mortality. One particularly striking example is the image of the black sack that Ivan sees in his final days, which represents the weight of his own mortality and the inevitability of his own death. This is a powerful image that underscores the central theme of the novella, and highlights the stark reality of human mortality.

Moreover, the portrayal of the medical profession in the novella serves as a commentary on the relationship between death and society. Tolstoy uses the character of Ivan's doctor, who is portrayed as a cold and unsympathetic figure, to criticize the way in which modern society seeks to distance itself from death and dying. The doctor is more concerned with maintaining the social facade of Ivan's illness rather than addressing his needs, highlighting the ways in which society often prioritizes appearances over authentic human connection.

Finally, the novella concludes with Ivan's final moments, as he comes to accept his own mortality and experiences a sense of peace and transcendence. Tolstoy masterfully uses imagery and symbolism to convey the profound transformation that Ivan undergoes in his final days, as he moves from denial to acceptance, and from fear to spiritual enlightenment.

In conclusion, "The Death of Ivan Ilyich" is a powerful exploration of the theme of mortality, which is conveyed through the use of artistic details, imagery, and symbolism. Tolstoy masterfully portrays the journey of Ivan Ilyich towards his ultimate demise, highlighting the various stages of acceptance and denial that he goes through along the way. The novella serves as a profound commentary on the human condition, and offers a poignant reminder of the fragility and transience of life.