The Death of Ivan Ilyich

Style and Technique

In «The Death of Ivan Ilyich», Leo Tolstoy employs a realistic style characterized by precise and detailed descriptions of events and characters. The language of the work is simple and clear, allowing the reader to easily follow the plot's development. Tolstoy masterfully uses internal monologue and stream of consciousness to convey the protagonist's inner experiences. Literary devices include irony and sarcasm, especially in the depiction of bureaucratic society and superficial relationships between people. The narrative structure is non-linear: the story begins at the end and then returns to the beginning of Ivan Ilyich's life, gradually revealing his journey towards the realization of his mortality. Tolstoy also uses symbolism, such as light and darkness, to emphasize the protagonist's spiritual awakening. An important element is the contrast between external prosperity and internal emptiness, highlighting the tragedy of human existence.