The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Russian author Leo Tolstoy, is a story that explores the life and death of Ivan, a man of middle-aged who spent his years climbing the social ladder in a 19th century society. The story revolves around those closest to Ivan such as his wife, children, caregiver and friends. While on the brink of death, Ivan questions his morals and the way he has lived his life. On a similar note, Morality by Wallace Shawn explores how morality and morals have common ground and how they can influence a person's judgment. It is important for each person to critically interpret the world and the way we live. Ivan questions his inevitable death and wonders if he really deserved to suffer for all the right things he had done in his life. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The fear of death is a recurring theme in Ivan's mind. Once he is diagnosed with an illness, Ivan cannot stop thinking about the suffering and pain he will have to endure. “In the depths of his soul Ivan Ilyich knew that he was going to die, but not only was he not used to it, but no, he couldn't possibly understand it." Ivan recognizes that his death is inevitable and that he doesn't understand why he deserves to die. Ivan has a bitter relationship towards his wife and children, and that bitterness grows as his illness worsens. Gerasim, Ivan's caretaker, is the only one who truly comforts him. Although Ivan is compassionate towards Gerasim, he questions whether he truly deserves death, regardless of whether that happens. During the final moments of Ivan's story, his attitude shifts from resentment to sympathy towards his family, wondering how his family will continue to exist without his support. Morality is described as the differentiation of intentions, decisions and actions between those that are distinguished as proper and improper. A moral is a person's standard of behavior or beliefs regarding what is and is not acceptable for him or her to do. Both of these ideas are discussed in Wallace Shawn's essay, Morality. Wallace Shawn's essay discusses his worldview and morals. “If we live day to day without self-examination, we remain unaware of the dangers we may pose to ourselves and to the world. But if we look in the mirror, we could observe a predatory face." Shawn explains that if people don't self-reflect, they become unaware of the misdeeds they might pose to others. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo Tolstoy and Morality by Wallace Shawn both have a lingering question about human morality. Ivan reflects on his outlook on life and how he treated others and wonders if his death is justified.