In The Death of Ivan Ilych, Gerasim is Ivan Ilych’s assistant to the butler, but then becomes Ivan’s nurse when his death is drawing near. Gerasim is in the lower class, also known as a peasant. In the story Gerasim and Ivan foil each other in aspects of social class, age, attitude, and honesty. Unlike Ivan, Gerasim is direct. He is the only person who is open with Ivan, and is comfortable enough to discuss death with Ivan. Out of Ivan’s family, friends, and doctors Gerasim is the only one who will tell Ivan that he will die, due to his accident. In chapter six, Gerasim says to Ivan “We shall all of us die …” (Tolstoy 1017). This is the only time some one has said to Ivan to his face that we should all die. Through out the story, other character are glad that it wasn't them, but have yet to realize that we will all die. Peter is a character who likes to hide from death, in the first chapter he said “Well, he’s dead but I’m alive!” (990). Similar to Peter, many other characters are glad it wasn't them. Many other people talk behind Ivan’s back and are not direct with him, unlike Gerasim.
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For example, when his wife, Praskovya was pregnant, Ivan was very distant to her by absorbing his life with work so he wouldn't have to be home. Praskovya’s pregnancy went against Ivan’s four principals of his life, “easy, agreeable, gay and alway decorous” (999). He was never there to comfort his wife and take care of her, because it made his life the opposite of what he wanted. On the other hand, Gerasim was there for Ivan in his time of need and was there to comfort him. In chapter seven comforted Ivan by lifting his legs and talking to him, “Gerasim did it all easily, willingly, simply, and with a good nature that touched Ivan Illych” (1016). Ivan and Gerasim foil each other in this nature when it comes to care and comfort to others. One may believe that their differences in compassion may relate to their social
For example, when his wife, Praskovya was pregnant, Ivan was very distant to her by absorbing his life with work so he wouldn't have to be home. Praskovya’s pregnancy went against Ivan’s four principals of his life, “easy, agreeable, gay and alway decorous” (999). He was never there to comfort his wife and take care of her, because it made his life the opposite of what he wanted. On the other hand, Gerasim was there for Ivan in his time of need and was there to comfort him. In chapter seven comforted Ivan by lifting his legs and talking to him, “Gerasim did it all easily, willingly, simply, and with a good nature that touched Ivan Illych” (1016). Ivan and Gerasim foil each other in this nature when it comes to care and comfort to others. One may believe that their differences in compassion may relate to their social