One of the literary giants of all time, Leo Tolstoy, is the author of the thought-provoking novella The Death of Ivan Ilyich. Born in 1828, Tolstoy is considered a literary luminary renowned for his profound philosophical insights and masterful storytelling, and his legacy continues with the masterpieces he has produced.
The Death of Ivan Ilyich, published in 1886, takes us into the life of the titular character, Ivan Ilyich, and his journey towards death while offering an exploration of the human psyche the way Tolstoy covers in his stories. The novella covers themes of existential anguish, societal disillusionment, and the inevitability of death.
The novella connects with readers for its constant exploration of human weakness and the permanent pursuit of understanding life’s inherent meaning, which is a lifetime exploration for all those who seek. The Death of Ivan Ilyich makes a reader reflect and find a deeper meaning of life.
Leo Tolstoy’s genius lies not only in his mastery of prose but also in his mastery to dig deeper moral and philosophical depth into his narratives. The novella serves as a perfect reminder of the lasting importance of literature in untangling the complexities of the human condition.