In the Trenches The Death of Ivan Ilyich, Chapter 2: Part I
7 snips
Dec 23, 2025 The discussion delves into the complex opening line of a classic tale, questioning the perspectives of narrator and character. The concept of free indirect style is unpacked, shedding light on the narrative's depth. Insights are shared about Ivan Ilyich’s family background, revealing how his upbringing shaped his life path. The portrayal of Ivan as an agreeable, socially adept individual obsessed with a pleasant existence is analyzed, along with his early moral compromises in pursuit of a respectable career.
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Winter Latin Retreat Plug
- Joshua Gibbs briefly mentions the Winter Latin Retreat as a related event for Latin teachers.
- He recommends Will Kilmer and points listeners to the Classical Teaching Institute website.
First Line Frames The Whole Novel
- Tolstoy opens chapter two with a dense, reinterpretable line that anchors the novella's moral inquiry.
- That line's meaning shifts as we learn more about Ivan and narrative perspective.
Free Indirect Style Masks Who Judges
- James Wood's concept of free indirect style explains Tolstoy's shifting narrative voice.
- The narrator often borrows characters' language so judgment can appear ambiguous and multi-voiced.
