Acknowledging death and avoiding the fear of what is to become of me when I die has allowed me to break away from the proprieties that are customary when humans are faced with death. “For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down-when we die and leave these bodies-we will have a home in heaven” (Corinthians 5:1). Tolstoy portrays Ivan, his family, and close friends as people who run from their own future; they are not willing to accept their fate because they do not know what it entails. “In the depth of his heart he knew he was dying, but not only was he unaccustomed to such an idea, he simply could not grasp it, could not grasp it at all” (Tolstoy 93). When the news of Ivan’s death circulated amongst his friends the

During Ivan’s last months, he reflects back on his lifetime accomplishments and begins to realize that “all the seeming joys of his life vanished before his sight and turned into something trivial and often nasty” (Tolstoy 119). Ivan cherishes his time spent with his servant Gerasim; a man who, from the very beginning of the novel, acknowledged death and embraced a warm and cheerful attitude towards life. Ivan notices that his happiest moments in life were those made in his younger years; the times when he was not influenced by the upper class and his desire for authority. His fake front has led Ivan to believe his life was meaningful and well lived, although when he starts to evaluate his past he is dissatisfied with what is presented before him. Life should not be about how much money you make, the people you socialize with, or the house you live in. Life is about compassion, love, and trust. Gerasim modeled these three traits in his moments with Ivan. “Gerasim did everything easily, willingly, simply, and with the goodness of heart that

Some topics in this essay:
, Ilyich” Tolstoy, God” Peter, live life, life ivan, joys life, upper class, meaning life,