Consider the significance of the title. If the work professes to be about Ivan's death, why is it almost entirely dedicated to Ivan's life?

The book “ The Death of Ivan Ilyich”, is more than a story about literal death. Instead the story leads the reader through thoughts and exploration of the reason for death, and what is it like to really live. The story illustrates if one focuses only on material things, life will become dull, heavy, artificial and insincere; therefore, worse than death. In addition, when an individual comes face to face with death, one examines their life. The book illustrates the important and unimportant things in life. Showing what will truly matter on ones death bed.