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Overview

The Death of Ivan Ilych, published in 1886, is a novella by Russian author Leo Tolstoy. It tells the story of Ivan Ilyich Golovin, a high-ranking judge in 19th-century Russia. Faced with a terminal illness, Ivan confronts the emptiness of a life lived for societal expectations. Tolstoy's novella delves into the nature of authentic living, the fear of death, and the search for meaning, presenting a profound exploration of the human condition and the inevitability of mortality. 

Explore a character analysis of Ivan Ilych, a plot summary, and important quotes.

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