In Leo Tolstoy’s The Death of Ivan Ilyich, the titular character leads a life defined by superficiality and conformity, only to confront the emptiness of his existence on his deathbed. Through Ivan’s story, Tolstoy explores existentialist themes of the search for authenticity and the human condition. As Jean Wahl notes in A Short History of Existentialism, existentialism is the “philosophy of existence” that emphasizes the individual’s freedom and choice and the inherent meaninglessness of life (Wahl 17). Similarly, in his chapter “Martin Heidegger” from Modern Movements in European Philosophy, Richard Kearney argues that existentialism is concerned with the “question of Being” and the search for authenticity (Kearney 78). Tolstoy uses Ivan’s story to illustrate the existentialist concept that it is only through facing one’s mortality and embracing authenticity that one can find meaning in life.
Existentialism holds that individuals must create their own meaning and purpose in a world that is ultimately devoid of inherent meaning. It is a philosophical movement that emerged in the 20th century, focusing on the individual’s experience of freedom, choice, and responsibility (Wahl 27). According to Jean Wahl’s A Short History of Existentialism, existentialism concerns the human condition and the search for meaning and purpose (Wahl 20). It emphasizes the importance of freedom and choice when facing an often meaningless and oppressive world. Additionally, Richard Kearney, in his chapter “Martin Heidegger” from Modern Movements in European Philosophy, explains that existentialism is centered on the question of being, and the human experience of existence. It emphasizes the importance of facing one’s mortality and embracing authenticity to find meaning. Existentialism also argues that individuals are responsible for creating meaning and purpose in life and that this is a constant process that can be challenging. Existentialism also emphasizes the freedom of the individual, individual liberty, and the choice that is inherent to human existence. It argues that individuals are free to make their own choices and shape their own lives, but this freedom also comes with a sense of responsibility and accountability for the options.
Ivan Ilyich’s life, as described in the novel, is one of superficiality and conformity. He is a successful lawyer who is well-respected in society, but his life is empty and devoid of true meaning. Ivan’s death, however, forces him to confront his mortality and the emptiness of his life. As he lies dying, he is plagued by the thought that his life has been wasted and that he has not lived authentically. This realization leads him on a journey of self-discovery and ultimately brings him to a newfound understanding of the meaning of life. Tolstoy writes, “Death was there, not somewhere behind the other bank of the river, but there, around him, and it was death, and not some sort of abstraction that would come to him, but him, Ivan Ilyich, who was dying” (Tolstoy 30). Through Ivan’s fear and realization of death, Tolstoy illustrates the existentialist concept that facing mortality is the only way to find true meaning in life.
Furthermore, the novel explores the theme of the search for authenticity through the character of Ivan’s wife, Praskovya. Like Ivan, Praskovya is preoccupied with societal expectations and material possessions. However, as Ivan’s death forces her to confront her mortality, she too begins to question the purpose of her existence and the authenticity of her life. Ultimately, she is left with the realization that she has not lived an authentic life. Tolstoy writes, “Praskovya Fyodorovna’s grief was not only caused by the death of her husband but also by the realization that she had not lived the life she should have” (Tolstoy 84). Through Praskovya’s realization, Tolstoy illustrates the existentialist concept that living an inauthentic life leads to emptiness and a lack of fulfillment.
Additionally, the novel delves into the theme of the human condition, as Ivan’s death forces those around him to confront their mortality and the fleeting nature of life. Tolstoy portrays the characters’ reactions to Ivan’s death as a reflection of the human tendency to avoid thinking about death and the meaning of life. Only through Ivan’s death are the characters forced to confront these existential questions. Tolstoy writes, “It was only now that they began to understand the significance of death and the meaning of life” (Tolstoy 97). Furthermore, the author uses Ivan to explore the idea of death and the fear of the unknown. As Ivan’s health deteriorates, he becomes increasingly consumed by fear and anxiety about what death holds for him. He is torn between his desire to cling to life and his acceptance of the inevitability of death. In the end, Ivan’s death is not a triumphant victory but a tragic end to a life that was never truly lived. Through the characters’ reactions, Tolstoy illustrates the existentialist concept that death is necessary to understand life’s meaning.
In The Death of Ivan Ilyich, Tolstoy explores the existentialist theme of freedom and choice. Existentialism emphasizes the importance of the individual’s freedom and choice in shaping their existence and finding meaning in life. Tolstoy portrays Ivan’s life as being controlled by societal expectations and conventions. However, as Ivan’s death forces him to confront his mortality, he begins to question the choices he has made in his life and the freedom he has had to make them. One of the main examples of this theme in the novel is Ivan’s realization that he has never truly lived for himself, but rather for the sake of others and societal expectations. Tolstoy writes, “Ivan Ilyich realized that he had not lived as he should have” (Tolstoy 105). Ivan understands that he has wasted his life living according to societal expectations and not embracing his freedom and choice. This realization highlights the importance of embracing freedom and choice to live an authentic life. Additionally, Ivan’s deathbed reflections remind readers of the importance of making choices that align with one’s values and beliefs rather than conforming to societal expectations. Ivan’s death is a cautionary tale of the consequences of living a life controlled by societal conventions rather than embracing one’s freedom and choice.
In conclusion, Tolstoy’s novel The Death of Ivan Ilyich is a powerful exploration of existentialist themes. Through the story of Ivan Ilyich’s life and death, Tolstoy illustrates the importance of facing one’s mortality and embracing authenticity in order to find meaning in life. The novel also explores the themes of the search for authenticity, the human condition, and freedom and choice. Tolstoy illustrates how individuals who conform to societal expectations and material possessions, like Ivan, live inauthentic lives and how death forces individuals to confront the truth about life and the meaning of life. Through the novel, Tolstoy highlights the importance of embracing freedom and choice, facing one’s mortality, and embracing authenticity to live a meaningful and fulfilling life, which is the core principle of existentialism. The novel serves as a cautionary tale and reminds readers of the importance of understanding the human condition and the search for meaning and purpose in life.
Works Cited
Kearney, Richard. Modern Movements in European Philosophy: Phenomenology, Critical Theory, Structuralism. Manchester University Press, 1994.
Tolstoy, Leo. The Death of Ivan Ilyich. Penguin books, 1986.
Wahl, Jean. “Jean Wahl.” A Short History of Existentialism 1949.