THE DEATH OF IVAN ILYCH By Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy 1886 Translated by Louise and Aylmer Maude An Electronic Classics Series Publication

THE DEATH OF IVAN ILYCH By Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy 1886 Translated by Louise and Aylmer Maude An Electronic Classics Series Publication Author’s Name The Institutional Affiliation Course Number and Name Instructor Name Assignment Due Date Introduction The intricate novella written on the topic of inevitable death and existence was written Leo Tolstoy named 'The Death of Ivan Ilych' (1886), Tolstoy in this story follows a high-ranking judicial employee and explores the life of Ivan Ilych and the journey he takes to his demise, which many humans seldom forget. This story dives deep into existentialism and critiques the temporary outer happiness that the world pressed on him. Ivan was aware that he was mortal and his mortality was a challenge, especially for all the readers who want to reflect on an insignificant pursuit that deviates a person from the core happiness of human life. The main agenda of this novella is to deepen the understanding of eventual death confrontation and change the societal norms shaping the perception that we are living a meaningful life through examination of these concepts about life and death a person thinks about the significance of life and how to live in meaningfully urging to rethink our priorities and lifestyle. Reflection The Illusion of a Well-Lived Life What is a successful life? It is a question asked in this text as follows: the unsettling experiences of what a successful life is. Trying to meet societal expectations and norms shapes our life choices, and that was what Ivan was doing; for society, he was one of the epitome of success marked by a prestigious judicial career and high-level social recognition. However, under all that lay a broken and empty core trying to find a glimpse of happiness in this world. He was adamant in believing that the societal notion of success was valid, portrayed as a checklist by the writer, but once he faced reality, it became meaningless. The life-threatening illness lit a fire that revealed voids in his achievements that he once saw as the hallmark of life (Tolstoy, 1886). This idea resonates with me deeply as it makes me realize the difference between a fulfilling life and one that is outwardly pleasing, underlining the importance of ensuring that your life has both external success with internal contentment and personal meaning. Ivan's life represents a conformity many adopt, often without realizing it. He follows societal norms by seeking a reputable career, marrying within convention, and showing a superficial image of success. This blind compliance ultimately vanishes, highlighting how societal pressures can steer us away from true fulfilment and joy. I often feel pressured to meet academic and career goals, sometimes at the expense of my interests. The story of Ivan impacted me deeply, compelling me to think my choices are my own or driven by the social norms instilled in me. This thought that I might be building a façade instead of a fulfilling life gives me chills. Tolstoy's portrayal of Ivan's life is a powerful yet detrimental reminder that life and death are two sides of the same coin, urging us to cast aside unnecessary goals and focus on what nourishes one's soul. As I reflect on my journey, the significance of my actions aligning with my passi...