The Death of Ivan Ilyich

“So on receiving the news of Ivan Ilyich’s death the first thought of each of the gentlemen in that private room was of the changes and promotions it might occasion among themselves or their acquaintances.”

Ivan Ilyich’s death comes as somewhat of a surprise to his colleagues, which means—given the fact that he was severely ill for weeks—they did not know, or care much, that his condition was serious. Tolstoy highlights their selfishness: Each colleague thinks immediately about potential promotions and career movement. Ivan Ilyich also had this selfish mindset, gaining professionally from the departures and deaths of others.

“Besides this there was in that expression a reproach and a warning to the living. This warning seemed to Peter Ivanovich out of place, or at least not applicable to him.”

Peter Ivanovich sees Ivan Ilyich’s death as “an accident natural to Ivan Ilyich but certainly not to himself” (253). His reaction is typical, as Ivan Ilyich’s death prompts mostly self-preservationist thoughts like, “Well, he’s dead but I’m alive” (248). Peter Ivanovich is no more self-centered than Ivan Ilyich or anyone else in his circle—shallow people who believe that moving through life only on the surface makes death is not applicable to them.

“He felt that Schwartz was above all these happenings and would not surrender to any depressing influences.”

Another of Ivan Ilyich’s colleagues to attend the funeral, Schwartz is preoccupied with the evening’s card game. Unlike the deceased, Schwartz is “playful, well-groomed, and elegant” (250). However, just like Ivan Ilyich, Schwartz remains above depressing influences and moves forward purely with self-interest.