The tittle implies what happens to Ivan Illyich at the end of the story, therefore his death is not a big surprise to me for a novel in such a gloomy tone.
Ivan Illyich, is the protagonist of the novel. He is a nondescript, unexceptional man. He admires those with high social standing, and conforms his values and behavior to their rules. Therefore, according to his thought, the most interesting thing to him is not enjoying the time with his family, instead, getting a higher social position. So before his death, although he is definitely a winner who has a strong ability of formalizing human relationship, he is totally a loser in the family aspect. Meanwhile, the relationship between his wife is capricious. It is totally depending on the position and wage Ivan has in the government. With the higher position and wage, their relationship becomes pacific. However, when Ivan just goes a little bit down, he will be extremely mad and angry on his families.
Additionally, Ivan is fear of death. When his families and doctor tells him that there is no way to treat his disease, his mood gets worse and worse. It is so easy for him to be annoyed, and his life is totally ruined.
Ivan does not get the essence of a life until the last moment of his life. At the time he truly faces the death, he just notices that he has nothing happy to think of and how meaningless his previous life is. He becomes so remorseful because he actually could do much more. He could be a loving husband; he could be a amiable father; he could have more fun and less anger in his life. But it is too late.
He dies, in pain and regret.
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