How Does Gerasim Change In The Death Of Ivan Ilyich

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

with his colleagues. In Ilych’s relationship, he senses deceitfulness when it comes to his wife bearing children. The flaws become visible as Ivan questions the true meaning of marriage and describes it as “not always conducive to pleasure and amenities of life, but on the contrary often infringed upon both comfort and propriety” (15). In the time during the death of his children, Ivan maintains an apathetic perspective, proving the indifference he owns against his family. Tolstoy exposes Ivan’s detachment and distance by him providing financially, but not emotionally for his own blood. Throughout his entire life, Ivan Ilych has never sensed the genuineness of companionship. Shockingly, he seeks relief in Gerasim, the butlers assistant in which “Ivan Ilych obtained comfort” in the process of coping with his illness and pain. (38) Gerasim’s role in aiding Ivan is glorified because he is the only person to recognize and pity him. Although not a part of the family, Gerasim’s compassion is admired not only because it is his job to obey commands, but also, he caters to Ivans needs and acknowledges that death is slowly creeping towards him, “It’s God’s will. We shall all come to it some day” (10). Performing the task of holding Ivans legs overnight to ease the pain shows Gerasim’s concern, as seen, “Don’t you worry, Ivan Ilych. I’ll get sleep enough later on” (40). His evident humbleness and inhibition allows Ivan to create a sincere relationship. The lack of comfort from Ilych’s family is replaced by Gerasim’s genuity. Ivan faces internal conflict when Praskovya attempts to kiss him and states “hated her from the bottom on his soul” (34). Only in Gerasim’s presence does Ivan acknowledge the falsity of his wife and entire family. His contributions emphasizes the contrast between the role of his senseless family and genuity of a stranger.
In the company of Gerasim, Ivan Ilych’s beliefs on morality suddenly change.

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

items.
In addition, Gerasim’s affiliation with Ivan provides comfort as he slowly makes his journey towards death. Gerasim’s youth, strength and liveliness does not offend Ivan but his presence soothes and makes his suffering less painful. Tolstoy explains his persona as truthful and wise, “We shall all of us die, so why should I grudge a little trouble?” — expressing the fact that he did not think his work burdensome, because he was doing it for a dying man and hoped someone would do the same for him when his time came” (41). He did not believe that a little more effort was bothersome. The self motivated and undetermined servant recognized that assisting ones need is the humane thing to do. His sense of care inspires Ivan to challenge his pass mindset on ethics and kinship.
Lastly, Gerasim allows Ivan to gradually reflect on his past life and now sees it from a different perspective. Ivan begins to compare his life before his illness and present situation. He begins to question death and its bigger meaning, “What if my whole life has been wrong, It occurred to him that what had appeared perfectly impossible before, namely that he had not spent his life as he should have done, might after all be true” (54). Ivans spiritual rebirth opens his eyes to the reality which significantly alters his past views on death. Slowly coming to the realization of the errors in his lifetime, he also learns to accept death and illness is apart of life. After all the endless suffering, he finally reaches the point of welcoming death on his doorstep and realizes that death was not so dark after all, but offers light and comfort from all the pain.
The shift in Ivan Ilych’s view on family and morality is vivid. Death and continuous suffering is what causes Ivan to suddenly face realization and moral awakenings. Leo Tolstoy emphasizes the steady approach Gerasim gives Ivan towards life, while portraying the conformity and inevitability of death. The renewal in perspective comforts him and allows him to gradually accept death for its glorious truth. Tolstoy’s use of Gerasim as a sense of relief and wisdom brings understanding to Ivan of his fictitious life.