In "The Death of Ivan Ilych", Chapter 2 states that since Ivan's life was simple and ordinary, it was a terrible life. I think that this quote is the reason for the first chapter or everyone's reaction to his death. Since Ivan lived an ordinary and simple life, he never got to experience everything life had to offer or to really enjoy what he would have possibly wanted to do. That regret of not challenging himself in his life is what makes it terrible and people can feel bad for him because of this. The terribleness of his life stems from living a non-important life.
Also, I think that Chapter 1 describes the ordinariness of Ivan's life by the reaction of his friends. These men are suppose to be his colleagues and friends, but when the news hit them of Ivan's death, they immediately started thinking of how to fill his position and the monotonous routine they must follow to help the mourning widow. They seem almost not to care that he has past and that exemplifies the terribleness of living an ordinary and simple life.
Yes, I do agree on the fact that his life wasn't a fulfillment, but a disappointment. He didn't get to live life to the fullest or according to his taste, only according to what everyone suggested. What other proof can you show that his life wasn't lived to the fullest?
ReplyDeleteAlso when his collegues are at the funeral but are in a rush to leave shows that these collegues didnt care much about him. They were there to be able to say they attended but were in a hurry to go play with the other.
ReplyDeleteNot to take advantage of this particular topic, but this is too ordinary. After reading your blogs, I have come to the conclusion that you need to add more visual discussions into your blogs. Your writing is very good, but a picture says a thousand words. So do not be like Ivan Ilych and be extraordinary.
ReplyDeleteI have to wonder if anyone ever experiences everything that life has to offer. Actually, I don not have to wonder. Nobody experiences all that life has to offer. If one experiences one thing they must sacrifice another experience.
ReplyDeleteAlso, at Joshua...
Ahem...
NO U