Leo Tolstoy

7 Pages 1808 Words

refers to these characters as Ivan’s ‘colleagues’ and not as his friends; they appear totally self-absorbed. Appropriately, the very first thoughts of Ivan’s colleagues expressed in the story after the news of his death were in reference to their own financial situations. Even though the very first words that they say are: “I thought he would never leave his bed again, it’s very sad.” Another instance of Tolstoy’s deliberate use of language is his depiction of Peter Ivanovich’s decision to go over to Ivan’s home to pay his last respects, “Having told his wife at dinner-time of Ivan Ilyich’s death… Peter Ivanovich sacrificed his usual nap, put on his evening clothes, and drove to Ivan Ilyich’s house.” Tolstoy powerfully shows how the colleagues disguise their true sentiments. He accurately reiterates their thoughtlessness in the final sentence of the chapter: “… [Peter Ivanovich] found them just finishing the first rubber, so that it was quite convenient for him to cut in.” These sentiments make the reader aware of the pathetic and obvious character flaws inherent in the personalities of the colleagues. Tolstoy displays the shallow nature of these characters throughout his work, never allowing them any sort of character growth or added ...