Please join Dr. Kathleen Helal to discuss one of the classics on our curriculum, Leo Tolstoy’s The Death of Ivan Ilyich, a story about a man who seems to achieve success but is destroyed by his own vices. Dr. Helal will offer some context for the novella and lead us through some close reading of key passages, and together we will consider why Tolstoy writes: “Ivan Ilyich’s life had been most simple and commonplace—and most horrifying” (43). 

Dr. Helal has taught university literature courses for over twenty years and now works at the Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas at Austin, where she focuses on writing, presenting, and publishing scholarly work internationally. She joined the Founders faculty when her schedule allowed it from 2023-2024, and admires the administration, faculty, staff, and parents for their outstanding dedication to the school and commitment to virtue. 

November 12th from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM./

If you are interested in attending this discussion please RSVP below. 

Whether you started the novella, but did not finish, or this is the first book you have read since high school, or you regularly read the Great Books, all are welcome! Although we are gathering to discuss this text, this is not a high school seminar where it is mandatory for you to speak.

You are welcome to use any edition, but Dr. Helal will be using  the Bantam edition with the intro by Ronald Blythe, ISBN 978-0-553-21035-4.