Question

15 POINTS!! Earlier, we discussed how Tolstoy uses language with a matter-of-fact connotation to highlight the underlying tension Ivan felt between his true emotions and what society expected him to feel. For example, Ivan’s reaction to the Caius syllogism conveys to readers Ivan Ilyich’s self-deception. On the surface, he seemed to simply feel that the logic could not be applied to him. Yet, that matter-of-fact approach to an absurd conclusion provides evidence of the underlying fear Ivan carries throughout his final days. Describe another such example of matter-of-fact connotative language in The Death of Ivan Ilyich to portray a deeper struggle. Provide textual evidence in your response.

Answer 1

In chapter 6, Tolstoy uses matter-of-fact language to express how Ivan Ilyich tries to distract his mind from thoughts of dying but fails:

Ivan Ilyich now spent most of his time in attempting to re-establish that old current. He would say to himself: "I will take up my duties again—after all I used to live by them." And banishing all doubts he would go to the law courts, enter into conversation with his colleagues, and sit carelessly as was his wont, scanning the crowd with a thoughtful look and leaning both his emaciated arms on the arms of his oak chair; bending over as usual to a colleague and drawing his papers nearer he would interchange whispers with him, and then suddenly raising his eyes and sitting erect would pronounce certain words and open the proceedings. But suddenly in the midst of those proceedings the pain in his side, regardless of the stage the proceedings had reached, would begin its own gnawing work. Ivan Ilyich would turn his attention to it and try to drive the thought of it away, but without success. It would come and stand before him and look at him, and he would be petrified and the light would die out of his eyes, and he would again begin asking himself whether It alone was true.

Ivan, the character, uses matter-of-fact language to express his desire to return to work. In the same spirit, Tolstoy, the writer, uses matter-of-fact language to describe the scene. Yet, the underlying struggle of Ivan against the reality of his mortality pierces this surface impression through the punctuated use of sharp, descriptive words such as “emaciated arms”, and “gnawing” pain. Through this contrast, Tolstoy captures the futility of Ivan’s denial.

Step-by-step explanation:

Answer 2

In chapter 6, Tolstoy uses matter-of-fact language to express how Ivan Ilyich tries to distract his mind from thoughts of dying but fails:

Ivan Ilyich now spent most of his time in attempting to re-establish that old current. He would say to himself: "I will take up my duties again—after all I used to live by them." And banishing all doubts he would go to the law courts, enter into conversation with his colleagues, and sit carelessly as was his wont, scanning the crowd with a thoughtful look and leaning both his emaciated arms on the arms of his oak chair; bending over as usual to a colleague and drawing his papers nearer he would interchange whispers with him, and then suddenly raising his eyes and sitting erect would pronounce certain words and open the proceedings. But suddenly in the midst of those proceedings the pain in his side, regardless of the stage the proceedings had reached, would begin its own gnawing work. Ivan Ilyich would turn his attention to it and try to drive the thought of it away, but without success. It would come and stand before him and look at him, and he would be petrified and the light would die out of his eyes, and he would again begin asking himself whether It alone was true.

Ivan, the character, uses matter-of-fact language to express his desire to return to work. In the same spirit, Tolstoy, the writer, uses matter-of-fact language to describe the scene. Yet, the underlying struggle of Ivan against the reality of his mortality pierces this surface impression through the punctuated use of sharp, descriptive words such as “emaciated arms”, and “gnawing” pain. Through this contrast, Tolstoy captures the futility of Ivan’s denial.