The dead man lay, as dead men always do, especially heavily….
— Leo Tolstoy, “The Death of Ivan Ilyich”
The meaning of life, the value of life, is a topic that fascinate us. Writers across generations seek to explain this very topic. Even in great works, such as Franz Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis” and Albert Camus’ “The Guest,” writers often sought to explore various themes in which to explain the value of a human life.
Leo Tolstoy is no different.
Tolstoy is a Russian writer, considered to be one of the world’s greatest novelists, and his short fiction, “The Death of Ivan Ilyich,” written in 1886, is considered one of the best examples of novellas. This short fiction also serves to explore the very topic of the worth of one’s life. Tolstoy does so through the character, Ivan Ilyich.
Ivan Ilyich is a man believed to possess all the best things in life during a period where good standing, good breeding, and good living represent a good life. Mr. Ilyich himself believes that his own life should be carried on pleasantly and with decorum, as he thought that a life that was easy and approved of by society is truly a quality life to live. He was wrong.
Leo Tolstoy outlines how Ivan’s life was not one he was truly living. His life was one of superficial pleasures and relationships, so therefore, his life had no real meaning. Rather, his life was, as Tolstoy described, “very simple and ordinary and very awful.” Ivan Ilyich only begins to understand that his life had no real meaning nearing the time of his death. During the three-day period in which Ilyich agonized over the approach of death, he came to the realization that he had been going the wrong direction his entire life. He proclaims that he had been wrong. Before he came to this realization, though, he felt stuck. Death could not yet claim him because he continued to insist that his life had been good, which prevented him from going forward. However, once he does realize that he had not lived a good life, he came to understand that there was a way to free not only himself, but his loved ones, from the sufferings caused through his illness. Then, once he fell into the “black hole,” he saw light, not darkness.
In other words, Tolstoy portrays that the meaning of human life is measured not in superficial things that conform to society’s standards, but through actual values that is reflected in a person’s character, such as the relationship they build with others, and from actions taken from the goodness found within their heart.
“Gerasim did this easily, willingly, simply and with a goodness of heart which touched Ivan Ilyich.”
Leo Tolstoy, “The Death of Ivan Ilyich”
So, what does the really mean in the grand scheme of things? How does that relate to stories today? How does this particular theme relate to other cultures, too?
As I mentioned before, writers across generations are always seeking to explore the meaning of a human life. Mary Shelley is one of those authors. Many people may be familiar with her story, “Frankenstein,” which is the story about a man who created a monster in his attempts to create life. However, Shelley goes on to challenge readers on who is truly the monster, and who is truly the man. The way in which she does is can relate back to the value placed in one’s life.
Is the monster another human being with worth and value because he is intelligent like any other man? Is Doctor Frankenstein one whose life is monstrous for his lack of empathy towards his own creation?
Her sensitivity towards the subject highlight why this theme is one that is not easily explored, and one that has no clear answer. As with Tolstoy, Shelley showcases that one’s worth is not easy to answer, but it is one that can be easily reflected upon the actions of the characters themselves. In this way, she exemplifies why neither Frankenstein nor his monster are each without meaning to their life.
So, my challenge to you as an aspiring writer is to consider the different ways in which to explore this theme. How does the actions, behavior, and personality of your own characters demonstrate the true worth of a person’s life, and how does the relationships your characters build and maintain reflect that value?
Don’t be afraid to explore this theme in different ways, either. Both Tolstoy and Shelley capture the same theme, but both of them also explored that theme in a manner that differed from each other. Be as creative as you want.
If you’re also curious to read up on these two stories, or own a copy for yourself, you can purchase Tolstoy’s story here and Shelley’s here.
Scheme'n'Theme 