The Death of Ivan Ilyich

"The Death of Ivan Ilyich" by Leo Tolstoy is a story about a man facing his own mortality. Ivan Ilyich lives a conventional life focused on career and social status, but when he becomes terminally ill, he confronts the pain, fear, and loneliness of death. The story explores themes of authentic living, the superficiality of societal values, and the existential awakening that occurs as he reflects on the meaning of life and his limited time left. Ultimately, it emphasizes the importance of genuine compassion and self-awareness in understanding life's true worth.