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A review by asaugustine
The Death of Ivan Ilyich/Master and Man by Ann Pasternak Slater, Leo Tolstoy
dark
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Every February, I tackle a Russian text, because if there's any kind of literature that just feeds into the joylessness of a never-ending Chicago winter, it's Russian literature. This year, I chose two short stories by Leo Tolstoy that are in conversation with each other: "The Death of Ivan Ilych" and "Master and Man."
The Death of Ivan Ilych (4.5 stars): I found this short story quite moving, transitioning from the banal trivialities of the public eye in the first few chapters to the stark, internal revelations that come when faced with nothing but death and the painful moments that precede it. This structure took me by surprise, even though I had read the preface that explained it all, and felt quite compelling, such that I started frantically writing down quotes every page or so once I began Chapter 6.
Ultimately this story urges the reader to take stock of their life. Are you living as you're expected to, thereby accepting the moral degradation that comes with those social expectations, or in a way that is out of step with society but morally sound? Are you leaving behind a legacy that will benefit the lives of those that come after you, or will your colleagues just go and play whist after your funeral? Are you facing your fears of mortality, or denying that they exist?
Tolstoy expects that most of his readers will see a bit of Ivan Ilych in themselves, and then have to face the realization that they, too, are mortal men, who will one day die. And that this kind of death is not just an abstract truth, but a pressing reality. The author is urging us to step out of the shadows of self-deception and instead live with this truth - that even though we all have childhood memories, and relationships, and "feelings and thoughts" entirely our own, it is ultimately "right" for us to die. It is our job as the living to make sure that we do enough "right" in the world that our death is not as fraught as Ivan Ilych's, because nobody wants to scream for three days straight before they go.
Master and Man (3.5 stars): I liked this story less than the first; it was much more allegorical in nature. I agreed with the premise, because basically anything that calls out the unfettered greed and insanity of the ruling class is fine by me. I was mostly left with a feeling of disappointment and frustration at the absurdity of it all, which I'm pretty sure was Tolstoy's intent. This would be an interesting story to bring into a conversation about the exploitation of natural resources and runaway late capitalism.
The Death of Ivan Ilych (4.5 stars): I found this short story quite moving, transitioning from the banal trivialities of the public eye in the first few chapters to the stark, internal revelations that come when faced with nothing but death and the painful moments that precede it. This structure took me by surprise, even though I had read the preface that explained it all, and felt quite compelling, such that I started frantically writing down quotes every page or so once I began Chapter 6.
Ultimately this story urges the reader to take stock of their life. Are you living as you're expected to, thereby accepting the moral degradation that comes with those social expectations, or in a way that is out of step with society but morally sound? Are you leaving behind a legacy that will benefit the lives of those that come after you, or will your colleagues just go and play whist after your funeral? Are you facing your fears of mortality, or denying that they exist?
Tolstoy expects that most of his readers will see a bit of Ivan Ilych in themselves, and then have to face the realization that they, too, are mortal men, who will one day die. And that this kind of death is not just an abstract truth, but a pressing reality. The author is urging us to step out of the shadows of self-deception and instead live with this truth - that even though we all have childhood memories, and relationships, and "feelings and thoughts" entirely our own, it is ultimately "right" for us to die. It is our job as the living to make sure that we do enough "right" in the world that our death is not as fraught as Ivan Ilych's, because nobody wants to scream for three days straight before they go.
Master and Man (3.5 stars): I liked this story less than the first; it was much more allegorical in nature. I agreed with the premise, because basically anything that calls out the unfettered greed and insanity of the ruling class is fine by me. I was mostly left with a feeling of disappointment and frustration at the absurdity of it all, which I'm pretty sure was Tolstoy's intent. This would be an interesting story to bring into a conversation about the exploitation of natural resources and runaway late capitalism.