How is the character Gerasim portrayed in chapters 912 of Tolstoys The Death of Ivan Ilyich?

Anonymous

∙ 9y ago

Updated: 5/9/2025

In chapters 9-12 of Tolstoy's "The Death of Ivan Ilyich," Gerasim is portrayed as a compassionate and empathetic character. Unlike other characters who are indifferent or fearful of death, Gerasim provides genuine care and comfort to Ivan during his suffering. His simple, honest demeanor highlights the contrast between authentic human connection and the superficiality of societal norms. Gerasim's presence serves as a source of solace for Ivan, embodying a sense of dignity and understanding in the face of mortality.

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∙ 2mo ago

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Which lines in this excerpt from Tolstoys The Death of Ivan Ilyich demonstrate that Gerasim is a character foil to Ivan Ilyich?

But he had never had the spirit to do it. The awful, terrible act of his dying was, he could see, reduced by those about him to the level of a casual, unpleasant, and almost indecorous incident (as if someone entered a drawing room defusing an unpleasant odour) and this was done by that very decorum which he had served all his life long. He saw that no one felt for him, because no one even wished to grasp his position. Only Gerasim recognized it and pitied him. And so Ivan Ilyich felt at ease only with him. He felt comforted when Gerasim supported his legs (sometimes all night long) and refused to go to bed, saying: "Don't you worry, Ivan Ilyich. I'll get sleep enough later on," or when he suddenly became familiar and exclaimed: "If you weren't sick it would be another matter, but as it is, why should I grudge a little trouble?" Gerasim alone did not lie; everything showed that he alone understood the facts of the case and did not consider it necessary to disguise them, but simply felt sorry for his emaciated and enfeebled master. Once when Ivan Ilyich was sending him away he even said straight out: "We shall all of us die, so why should I grudge a little trouble?"-expressing the fact that he did not think his work burdensome, because he was doing it for a dying man and hoped someone would do the same for him when his time came.

When did Gerasim Zelić die?

Gerasim Zelić died in 1838.

When was Gerasim Khugayev born?

Gerasim Khugayev was born in 1945.

When was Gerasim Izmailov born?

Gerasim Izmailov was born in 1745.

When did Gerasim Lebedev die?

Gerasim Lebedev died in 1817.

When was Gerasim Lebedev born?

Gerasim Lebedev was born in 1749.

When was Gerasim Pileš born?

Gerasim Pile&scaron; was born on 1913-##-11.

When was Gerasim Zakov born?

Gerasim Zakov was born on 1984-09-07.

When was Gerasim Zelić born?

Gerasim Zelić was born on 1752-06-11.

When did Gerasim Pileš die?

Gerasim Pile&scaron; died on 2003-11-02.

When was Gerasim Mladenov born?

Gerasim Mladenov was born on January 31, 1913, in Sofia, Bulgaria.

When did Gerasim Mladenov die?

Gerasim Mladenov died on July 1, 1982, in Sofia, Bulgaria.

How does the character of gerasim help the protagonist to attain spiritual freedom in Tolstoy the death of Ivan llyich?

Gerasim's compassionate care and simple way of living serve as a stark contrast to the superficial and self-centered life of Ivan Ilyich. Gerasim’s genuine empathy and willingness to provide physical and emotional support to Ivan help him to face his mortality with acceptance and find inner peace, ultimately leading him towards spiritual freedom. Gerasim's kindness and moral integrity highlight the importance of human connection and humility in achieving true happiness and fulfillment.