A PSYCHOANALYTIC ANALYSIS OF THE ANGUISH OF FINITUDE IN 'THE DEATH OF IVAN ILITCH' BY LEO TOLSTOY

Abstract

This study investigates, through the lens of Freudian psychoanalysis, the anguish experienced in the face of death, based on an analysis of The Death of Ivan Ilitch, by Leo Tolstoy. Starting from the premise that literature can symbolically express human psychic conflicts, the research proposes a dialogue between psychoanalytic theory and literary narrative to explore the defense mechanisms mobilized in response to the awareness of finitude. The study is primarily based on the contributions of Sigmund Freud and his commentators. The methodology is qualitative, exploratory and bibliographic, based on a review of theoretical texts and an interpretative analysis of the literary work. Throughout the narrative, defense mechanisms such as denial and rationalization are identified, which, as death becomes imminent, give way to a process of subjective elaboration by the protagonist. The choice of this literary work is justified mainly by the contemporary social relevance of the theme, as death — though ever-present — continues to be avoided in everyday discourse. The study concludes that a psychoanalytic reading of the novel enables a deeper understanding of death anguish, contributing not only to reflections on human suffering but also to considerations of life’s meaning and possible elaborations in the face of mortality.