ENGL 1102 Study Guide and Notes - South ia ….doc

ENGL 1102 Study Guide and Notes Tolstoy: The Death of Ivan Ilych Talking points and vocabulary: Marxist literary criticism The best critical approach for this novella is actually bination of Marxism through a Christian lens (yes that IS an oxymoron, but don ’t worry about). Tolstoy believed that manded his followers to live in poverty. A Marxist critic will notice immediately the contrast between the wealthy but miserable Ivan Ilych and the poor but joyful Gerasim. Note Tolstoy ’s physical description of Gerasim as bright, filled with joy, clean, and fresh. Gerasim is all of these things despite the fact that his job is to handle filth (cleaning II’mode, toting coal, and chopping wood). materialism Ivan Ilych isa materialist – he loves and worships money. His primary goal in life is to make more money and to have nice things. As result of his dedication to the pursuit of wealth, he neglects his family and forms friendships with like-minded people. Note that his friends ’ first concern when they learn of his death is about who will get promoted next. the inner life When II reaches adulthood, he forgets his childhood and the sense of the miraculous that he once had and loses his conscience (his inner voice). II’s focus on externals (money, appearances, social standing) leads him to reject all forms of self-reflection and to give up his inner life. redemption Tolstoy achieves a ha