The Death of Ivan Ilyich is a novella written by Leo Tolstoy that explores the purpose of living and the resentment of dying. Chapter II begins with the statement, “Ivan Ilyich’s life had been most simple and most ordinary and therefore most terrible”(746).
When reading this, the first thing I recall is the quote, ‘All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy’ which was originally stated in David Lean’s 1957 film Bridge on the River Kwai and then typed over and over and over again, on paper, in Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 film, The Shining. Both films are novels that have been adapted for the silver screen. And both films tackle the idea that all labor and no pleasure will lead to a life of misery, which is also the case when it comes to the life of Ivan Ilyich. In chapter II, when speaking about Ivan Ilyich, the limited omniscient third-person narration states, “Even when he was at the School of Law he was just what he remained for the rest of his life: a capable, cheerful, good-natured, and sociable man, though strict in the fulfillment of what he considered to be his duty: and he considered his duty to be what was so considered by those in authority”(746). This description of Ivan brings answers to a few life-altering decisions. Like why did Ivan get married? He at first had no intention of marrying, but it was considered the right thing by the most highly placed of his associates. And why did Ivan make a change in his official [work] life? Because he was offered the post of Examining Magistrate and new men were needed. In simple terms, Ivan does not make decisions for himself. In other words, Ivan Ilyich was a man who was controlled by the written and unwritten rules of life. He was so controlled by the rules of the system that he literally was a part of it by pursuing a career in the legal system.
During this time of social distancing, individuals are given the opportunity to self reflect. They are given time to think about the direction their life has been going. And they are given the time to think about the direction they would like to be going. And most importantly, to ask the question: Do I make Decisions For My Self!
Evan, I love that you filter everything through the prism of film! Yes, both Tolstoy’s text and the current crisis should be prompting us to reflect on our own choices and on our own priorities….