A detailed study or formal essay on The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo

A detailed study or formal on The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo Tolstoy - Essay Example This paper will analyze Tolstoy’s story focusing on the theme of isolation and the Russian way of life by studying the kind of life that the main character lived in the story as told by the narrator, as well as his thoughts, perspectives, and the way he dealt with his family and the entire Russian society as a whole. The story is plotted starting from the announcement of the death of Ilych, by his friend Peter Ivanovich, to a group of judges in the court room. Instead of grieving sincerely, they were merely thankful that they were not the ones who died which means they will have longer service in court and a bonus consolation that Ilych’s death will open to promotions at work (Tolstoy 7). On the other hand, Praskovya, Ilych’s wife, wanted to do something more about her husband’s pension from the government to make sure she gets more than what she expects. Meanwhile, Gerasim, the nurse who took care of Ilych on his death bed, has anticipated death and thought that it must not be feared for it comes to everyone in due time (Tolstoy 15). As the story progresses, the early life of Ilych is narrated. During his teens, he studied law at a school where he observed and adopted a high social status in life. He then worked seriously in line with his degree (Tolstoy 26). Eventually, he got married to Praskovya with the thought that men with high social standards in Russia must marry, buy properties, and start a family (Tolstoy 45). While Praskovya had a very hassling pregnancy, Ilych began to drown in work and, eventually, he built a fence between him and his family. He treated them as if they were some colleagues at work or some business partners. When he was offered an opportunity for a higher position, with a higher salary, initiated by a friend in the Ministry of Justice at St. Petersburg, he bought and furnished a new house where his family