In his short story The Death of Ivan Ilyich, Leo Tolstoy satirizes the isolation and materialism of Russian society and suggests that his desensitized existence neglects the true meaning of life: compassion. Ivan had achieved everything that society considered important in life: a high social position, a powerful job, and money. Marriage developed out of necessity rather than love: “He demanded only those amenities—dinner at home, a housewife, and a bed—that he could provide” (17). Later, he bought a magnificent house, as society dictated, and tried to fill it with ostentatious antiques reserved for the wealthy. However, "in reality it was exactly what one usually sees in the homes of modest people who want to appear rich and therefore only succeed in looking like others like them" (22). Through the intense characterizations of the detached and omniscient narrator, Tolstoy reveals the flaws of this deeply superficial society. Although Ivan has thrived by society's standards, he fails to form any connection with another human being on this earth. Unfortunately, only his fatal illness can allow him to face his own death and reevaluate his life. He finally understands, in his last breath, that “all you have lived for and still live for is lies and deception, hiding life and death from you” (69). Tolstoy establishes his satire instantly after Ivan's death through the cruel and selfish reactions of his friends. The death of a friend normally evokes feelings of grief and compassion, but for Ivan's close associates, thoughts of their future drowned out any thoughts of death. “So, upon receiving the news of the death of Ivan Ilyich, the first thought of each of the gentlemen middle of paper ...... is not about the life of an individual. Tolstoy suggests that even if most of Russian society has lived like Ivan, there will always be an opportunity to redeem themselves from their past greed. Leo Tolstoy argues in The Death of Ivan Ilyich the importance of compassion in life and the central role it plays in life. enable an individual to live a truly satisfying life. In his eyes, the Russian nobility did not really live since its only priority was itself and the acquisition of possessions. While the poor, for their part, understood the importance of their time on this earth and took advantage of every second of it. Although written in the late 19th century, Tolstoy's work continues to apply to American society even today. People continue to isolate themselves from the world and repress all difficult emotions, believing that their wealth-driven life is noble..