main themes used throughout the work as a means of describing the greater role that Ilyich plays in the complex sociological themes outlined in the plot that is his life. The arrangement of his life and of his family, and all the social and official interests. We will begin with an analysation of his family situation. Praskovya, his wife, had been a love constructed from the start of an economic and sociological expectation rather than that of a true courtship. The happiness therefore of the union was derived solely of a necessity to fulfill a desire on the part of others for a success of sorts, surely her desire as well. Ivan Ilyich could have counted on a more illustrious match, but even this one was quite good. He had his salary, and her income, he hoped, would bring in an equal amount. (Tolstoy, 56) Tolstoy goes on to make several remarks on the benevolent nature of the relationship between he and his wife. The arrival of his children creates no great marker in his life, and proves to be little more than a factor in his ever-lengthening retreat into his life of solitude and work. It is obvious to the reader that this retreat into his work is the soul means by which Ivan moves towards a personal goal of self-justification and righteousness. It is no mistake on Tolstoys part that he is involved in a position of disciplinary authority. Through this discipline, one is exposed to the impression of society as a disciplinary function. This function is displayed through the judicial system, the work that Ivan creates for himself, as a leader in the federal disciplinary system is a commentary on the necessity for discipline within the social framework within which Ivan lives. This is an ever-present dichotomy that can be tied into both the familial and social framework within which Ivan lives. Is his personal discipline exorcized through the construction of disciplinary discourse as outlined in his work? Is his family a disciplinary presenc...
