Ivan or The Lieutenant?

Ivan or The Lieutenant?

Ivan dies in the cemetery in the short story “The Cemetery Path". He doesn’t just drop dead (well, in this case he almost does), there must be a reason to why he died. Is it simply the fate or someone’s fault? Who is to be accused? In this story there are only two suspects: The Lieutenant (and friends) and Ivan, himself. In my opinion, I believe that the fault lies more within Ivan. He should have stood up for himself long before the night of his death and he shouldn't have accepted his challenge. Another reason why his  death is somewhat his own fault it because he was not thinking rationally.

Ivan’s death is partially his fault because he accepted the challenge.  In pressured situations, it is normal for the victim to step out of their comfort zones and try new things. Although in Ivan’s case, he should have known his boundaries. Of course it was not entirely Ivan’s fault. If the lieutenant had not pressured him to such lengths he would not have gone down the cemetery path in the first place. However, Ivan mindlessly accepted the challenge without thinking of the consequences beforehand. If Ivan had evaluated the situation closer, he may have found that the lieutenant does not seem as brave as he says he is. Ivan could have challenged the lieutenant before he had done it himself. If the lieutenant was not able to complete the task, he was in no position to be mocking Ivan for his fears for he shared them as well. Providing that the lieutenant was able to complete the task, it may have given Ivan more confidence while he was walking down the cemetery path.

In my opinion, the cemetery path has many conflicts. One in particular is a great example of bullying. The Lieutenant and the others at the saloon were bullying Ivan in the verbal form. After excessive bullying, he must have realized that he has to stand up to the Lieutenant. Otherwise the bullying will never stop. Ivan should have stood up much sooner then he did. The bullying has gone to the extent of his death. Another thing he could have done is stop going to the saloon. The only reason he went to the saloon is to escape his lonely house. However if the company is putting you down rather then bringing you up, then it is better to be alone then with rude individuals.

In addition, the main responsibility for Ivan’s death lies in Ivan’s hands because he killed himself with fear. Although Ivan fears the cemetery, he should have been calm and he should have tried to control his emotions. He was in such fear that he couldn't think rationally. Ivan was so afraid of the cemetery that he did not even want to look at what was tugging at him. If Ivan had walked in the cemetery with more confidence than fear, he may have been able to pay attention to what is going on around him, be more alert and he would have been able to realize that the sword was holding tails of his long coat.

When Ivan died in the cemetery, it was not only his fault. If he only thought things through, he may have still been alive. If the Lieutenant had done things differently, he may have still been alive. If Ivan had turned around, he may have still been alive. But, as the saying goes “Actions come with consequences”. Some things we don’t decide sometimes it is just fate. That is why we have to learn from our mistakes and try not to repeat them.