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.
I don't think he was mindlessly accepting anything. I think he gave it some thought, but he wasn't thinking clearly.
ReplyDeleteYou are expecting that Ivan is not the timid, cowardly man he is portrayed as in the story. Your whole response revolves around him acting out of character. For Ivan, accepting the dare was the most out of character move he was capable of.
Your position changed from the beginning of your response to the end. You need to stay consistent with your position, otherwise your audience will get confused.
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