How Does Gerasim Change In The Death Of Ivan Ilyich

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In the novel, The Death of Ivan Ilych, Leo Tolstoy exploits the miserable life Ivan faces, leading to an inevitable and crucial downfall. Through the course of his childhood, the perspective of his existence gradually transforms as his torturing life prolongs. Tolstoy utilizes Gerasim as he emphasizes the roles of family and morality to convey Ivan’s realization of falsity in all aspects of his life. Throughout the novel, Ivan’s change in view towards his children and wife, Praskovya Fedorovna, is evident. While balancing the responsibilities of his life, he develops an obscured relationship towards his family and spends his time playing the game of bridge. In addition, he also turns to constant conversations with his co-workers and dinners …show more content…

Gerasim is described as, “a clean, fresh peasant lad, grown stout on town food and always cheerful and bright. At first the sight of him, in his clean Russian peasant costume, engaged on that disgusting task embarrassed Ivan Ilych” (38). Gerasim shocks Ivan in a way that a peasant is unselfishly willing to help. His generosity gives him a sense of ease, knowing that the presence he brings is paradoxical to everyone else in society, including his family. Throughout the novel, Ivan shows ignorance towards the center attentions of life. The importance of success, wealth and materialistic items are no longer treasured as Ivan comes to realization of the true principles in living. Tolstoy explains Gerasim’s self sacrificing persona, “did it all easily, willingly, simply, and with a good nature that touched Ivan Ilych” (40). Opposite of Ivan, Gerasim lives a healthy life by treasuring life for what it gives rather than constantly attempting to succeed in society. Ilych’s greatest flaw is being stuck in the ideal of riches that hinders the mind for cherishing the relations between family and genuine companions. Surprisingly Ivan’s servant understands the significance of relationships amongst others and accepts his social class, stated “Gerasim alone did not lie; everything showed that he alone understood the facts of the case and did not consider it necessary to disguise them, but simply felt sorry for his emaciated and enfeebled master” (41). Tolstoy utilizes Gerasim to build a new perspective within Ivan Ilych, to enjoy life not through unimportant envies or desires but by appreciating the small yet simple

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