Death Of Ivan Ilych
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Death of Ivan Ilych
1. Characterize the following individuals
Peter Ivanovich
Gerasim
Proskovya Fedorovna
Vasya
Indicate, as well, the ways, in which these individuals help or hinder Ivan Ilychs spiritual growth.
2. How do (a) the stories associated with the Baal Shem Tov and (b) the biblical tale of Elisha in Damascus illustrate the spiritual journey undertaken by Ivan Ilych?
Peter Ivanovich (known from now on as PI) was Ivans dearest friend. PI and Ivan have known each other all their lives yet at Ivans funeral PI shows no deep remorse. All that PI really thinks about is the vacancy that Ivan has left at work. He like other people, thinks that relationships are just about achieving ones own agenda. And such loving and compassionate relationships do not exist. Another situation that PI has is that after his selfish like behavior he is characterized by a desire to avoid the unpleasant. This is shown when PI skirts the topic of Ivans death and “drags his feet” when it comes time to attend the funeral. He has a problem with confronting the aspect of his own mortality.
PI never quite makes the transition to the true understanding of the nature of life that Ivan had made and Gerasim as well. Even though upon leaving Ivans funeral PI evokes the observation that it is Gods will that everybody dies someday. His receptivity and consciousness make him stand out amongst society. If one looks at PIs last name of Ivanovich; which means son of Ivan, this seems to hint that one day PI will too one day see the light.
Gerasim was the butlers assistant. Unlike any of the other characters in the story has a REAL sense of compassion and empathy towards others especially Ivan during his last weeks. Since Gerasim has the well-being of others ahead of his own he is able to connect with people on a more personal scale, which breaks down barriers. With stating this Gerasim is the only character in this story that is able to confront death with equanimity and courage. Gerasim again is the only character in this story that accepts that dirt, death and illness are all parts of lifes grand journey. At the end of Ivans life it is Gerasim that is the one that helps with Ivans excretions and helps to put Ivans feet up at night, he sees by doing these duties for Ivan that he is helping a slowly dying man.
Gerasim is the only character in this story that “totally” helps Ivan reach spiritual growth. The nights when Gerasim would hold Ivans legs, was a time when Ivan “bridged the gap” between the physical and spiritual world. While supporting Ivans legs, Ivan looks into Gerasims face and is able to realize the errors that he has done in the past. Gerasim exemplifies the right way to live; his contact with Ivan in his final days eases the man along the road to spiritual health.
Proskovya Fedorovna (known from know on as PF) was Ivans wife. To characterize PF throughout this whole story is to look at what she says in response to PI at the funeral of Ivan.
“He suffered terribly the last