Romantic artwork - Essay Example

Analysis: This section is divided into: Outlook of life, Domestic problems, Emotional trauma, Guilty consciousness, Self-realization, and Reconciliation. One can see that the author makes use of the protagonist’s life as an innovative tool to deal with the basic problems faced by human beings in general. This innovative literary technique made use by the writer helps the readers to go beyond the limits of traditional storytelling. To be specific, the author does not try to convince the readers that Ivan’s life is an utter failure.

Instead, the writer leads the readers to the protagonist’s private circle and introduces the main characters. This innovative technique is most helpful for an average reader to have deeper understanding of the protagonist’s life. Outlook of life In the novel, Tolstoy makes use of Ivan’s outlook on life to evaluate human understanding of the value of life. To be specific, Ivan is symbolic of the middle-class in the mainstream society. Ivan is aware of the fact that he does not belong to the rich class, but he pretends to be different from others.

In the novella, the speaker states that, “He did his work, made his career, and at the same time led a life of well-bred social gaiety” (88). He tries to lead a different life in the society. He believes that his job is an important factor, symbolic of his status in the society. But he never knows that others considered him as a middle-class member without any important. At the same time, Ivan’s attitude towards life is materialistic. He used to buy things to impress others and to feel important in the society.

For instance, he bought a new house in St. Petersburg and believed that this new house will elevate his social status. Javier Moscoso states that, “What Ilyich wants, initially, is to live like he did before” (171). Still, his middle class outlook on life does not help him to be happy. So, one can see that Ivan’s materialistic outlook on life is the grass root level reason behind his unhappiness. Domestic problems In the novel, Ivan considers that others (say, family members) must act according to his wish.

Besides, he gives utmost importance to the public opinion on his typical middle class family. To be specific, he considers that others must judge his wife and him as a normal and happy pair. So, he does not allow anything unpleasant within his family. For instance, he did not like to mention unpleasant words within his private circle. Besides, Ivan’s ultimate control over his family leads to further problems. He considers that others must act according his social status in the society. From a different angle of view, Ivan’s deep interest in his work forces him to ignore his family.

He gave importance to his social life, but ignored his family. When his wife was pregnant, he refused to deal with the problems related to pregnancy. Instead, he pretended that his work hinders him from helping his wife. Stewart Justman opines that, “But a careerist is all Ivan Ilych gave any appearance of being” (102). Ivan does not try to create cordial relationship with his girl child because he considers that his wife must look after their children. This authoritarian attitude,