The Death of Ivan Ilyich and Other Stories · Chapter
Father Vasily explained
A peasant arrives before dawn to fetch Father Vasily to administer last rites to his dying wife.
What happens
A peasant arrives before dawn to fetch Father Vasily to administer last rites to his dying wife. The priest, after his morning prayers and a moment of self-reflection on his own faults, sets off on the rough journey. The narrative provides background on Father Vasily's life: his past academic promise, his self-sacrificial decision to become a village priest to support his family, and his marriage. During the journey, he attempts conversation with the grieving peasant and later with a tipsy acquaintance, Theodore, revealing the hardships of peasant life. The chapter ends with his return home to domestic tension sparked by a letter from his son and his wife's anger over his charity.
Themes in this chapter
Faith, Spirituality, and Redemption
Central to the chapter. Father Vasily's morning prayers, his internal struggle with forgiveness, and his duty to administer sacraments to the dying highlight the daily practice and personal challenges of faith.
Hypocrisy and Social Pretense
Explored through Father Vasily's painful reaction to being called a 'Hypocrite, Pharisee.' He examines his own conscience, questioning whether this fault is truly his, revealing the tension between external perception and internal self-image.
Fate, Injustice, and Suffering
Manifests in the peasant Mitri's plight—his wife dying, his poverty, and the theft of his horse. The conversation highlights the harsh, unjust realities of peasant life and the resigned acceptance of 'God's will.'
Characters to notice
- Father Vasily
The village priest, a kind man prone to self-reflection. He is called to administer last rites, reflects on accusations of hypocrisy, and recalls his past self-sacrifice for his family.
- The Master
The peasant from Vozdrevo who fetches Father Vasily. He is grieving and anxious about his dying wife and the fate of his children.
- Anna Fyódorovna Záytsef
Father Vasily's wife. She is short-tempered, manages the household, and is angry upon his return due to financial strain revealed by their son's letter.
- The Deacon
Mentioned indirectly as the drunk deacon who called Father Vasily a 'Hypocrite, Pharisee,' causing the priest pain and anger.
- Theodore
A tipsy, talkative acquaintance Father Vasily meets on the road. He discusses village hardships and justifies his drinking while showing pity for Mitri.
Key passages
“"Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us," he stopped, remembering the deacon who was drunk the day before, and who on meeting him muttered audibly, "Hypocrite, Pharisee."”
During his prayers, Father Vasily is halted by the words about forgiveness, painfully recalling the deacon's insult.
Shows his spiritual practice is interrupted by a social slight, linking ritual to personal grievance.
“The step he took at that time gave a suggestion of self-sacrifice and renunciation to his whole life. To please his mother he left the academy, and became a village priest.”
His decision to abandon academic ambitions and become a priest to support his mother framed his life as one of sacrifice.
Establishes a key biographical motif of renunciation that defines his character.
“"It may be God’s will, but it is very hard on me. Father. I am alone. What will become of my little ones?"”
The peasant acknowledges divine will but expresses the crushing personal burden of potential loss and responsibility.
Highlights the conflict between theological acceptance and human despair in the face of suffering.
