In Leo Tolstoy's The Death of Ivan Ilych, some of the most significant events in the novel are mental and psychological. As Ivan Ilych gradually approaches his death, Tolstoy details Ivan's perspective of the time. It is during this period in Ivan's life that he experiences several epiphanies, discoveries, and changes in consciousness. These act as key events in the novel as they enlighten the protagonist of the life he has led. For it is with these mental and psychological experiences, that the statement "Ivan Ilych's life had been most simple and most ordinary and therefore most terrible" is truly asserted.
The discoveries Ivan Ilych makes are one thing which allows him to realize what a simple life he has led. With death forever drawing closer to him, Ivan feels that he is alone. For the people that are around him do not care or understand his condition. They simply assure him he is ill and not dying. Even Ivan's own wife treated his illness as a burden and trouble. It is in this way he realizes that she is only worried about the inconvenience his suffering is putting her through and the financial bind he is causing her. These things signify the life Ivan led as he had a total disconcern for the feelings and sufferings of others. He simply involved himself in his work, pleasant to be away from the ravages of married life.
The changes in consciousness the title character undergoes also affect the overall feelings he has about his life. As he is aware he shall soon die, Ivan longs to be pitied as a sick child would. However, the only person who is there to give it to him is his servant Gerasim. This causes Ivan to hold great bitterness towards his family and friends. Yet, it is this lack of pity that allows him to realize how he treated his own life. Holding a good social position, he tried his very best not to let his emotions get in the way of how he acted and performed his duties. .