# Traveller and Peasant explained — The Death of Ivan Ilyich and Other Stories

> Chapter companion for The Death of Ivan Ilyich and Other Stories by Leo Tolstoy.

## What happens

A dialogue between a Traveller and a Peasant debating Christian pacifism, civil disobedience, and the morality of state power. The Traveller argues that taking oaths, serving as a soldier, and paying taxes for war violate Christ's commandments to 'swear not at all' and 'do no murder.' He advocates for non-participation in state violence, suggesting that true obedience is to God, not human authorities. The Peasant is skeptical, citing practical necessity and fear of punishment, but is gradually led to question the role of the church and the state.

## Themes in this chapter

### Moral Philosophy and Virtue

Central debate on the conflict between Christ's commandments (non-violence, non-swearing) and state laws (conscription, oaths).

### Faith, Spirituality, and Redemption

Focus on living 'according to God's will' as the path to a non-evil life, versus obeying human authorities.

### Political Unrest and Revolution

Mentions revolutionaries who kill for change, and the Traveller's advocacy for non-violent civil disobedience against state power.

## Character check-ins

### The Tartars

Referenced indirectly as 'enemies' in the context of war.

### The Priest

Criticized by the Peasant for not teaching God's Law correctly and for reading declarations of war in church.

### The General

Referenced indirectly as part of the 'authorities' who hold power.

### The Stranger

The 'Traveller' fits the description of a stranger engaging in deep moral debate.

## Key lines

> "Swear not at all."

The Traveller cites Christ's words to argue against taking any oath, including the military oath.

_Core scriptural argument for pacifism and civil disobedience._

> "Thou shalt do no murder." ... "Love your enemies, and pray for them that persecute you."

The Traveller quotes the Sixth Commandment and Christ's teaching to assert that killing, even in war, is forbidden for a Christian.

_Biblical foundation for the argument against soldiering._

> "They only have power, because you obey them. Do not obey the authorities, and they won’t have any power!"

The Traveller argues that state authority is derived from popular obedience, and that refusing to comply undermines it.

_Statement of anarchist or non-violent resistance philosophy._

> "We ourselves live like devils, and yet we complain of others!"

The Traveller concludes that the evil in life comes from personal sin and complicity with violence, not from external forces alone.

_Moral introspection and call for personal responsibility._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/leo_tolstoy_short_fiction_se/chapters/traveller-and-peasant
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/leo_tolstoy_short_fiction_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/leo_tolstoy_short_fiction_se/chapters