The life of Ivan Ilyich is one that is dominated by vanity
and pride. Note how he is so desirous of having the perfect house that he takes such
interest in, even though the narrator tells us it is the same as every other
house:
His
house was so like the others that it would never have been noticed, but to him it all
seemed to be quite
exceptional.
Ironically, it
is his pride that causes his illness, as he slips on the ladder whilst rehanging the
curtains and wounds himself.
However, what brings Ivan
Ilyich to a stage where he is able to recognise his own superficial life is the
compassion and love demonstrated to him, firstly through Gerasim, but perhaps more
importantly through his own son. Note how the act of compassion and love of his son in
kissing his father's hand and crying acts as a catalyst for Ivan Ilyich. He realises
that he pities and feels sympathy for his son and his wife and tries to ask for
forgiveness, representing a move away from the pride that has dominated his life and an
acceptance of love:
"Yes, I am making them wretched," he thought.
"They are sorry, but it will be better for them when I die." He wished to say this but
had not the strength to utter it. "Besides, why speak? I must act," he thought. With a
look at his wife he indicated his son and said: "Take him away... sorry for him... sorry
for you too..." He tried to add, "forgive me," but said "forgo" and waved his hand,
knowing that He whose understanding mattered would
understand.
It is at this
stage, when he has forsaken pride and embraced love, that he is able to shed his fear of
death and accept it. By so doing, he sees the reality of the "light" that is actually in
"death" and realises that death need have no more power over him now that he has
embraced it. Compassion and love expressed allow Ivan Ilyich to embrace these qualities
himself and thus accept death rather than raging against it.
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