Tolstoy began the story with chapter one, with the death of Ivan Ilyich and the narration of Pyotr Ivanovich, a close friend of Ivan. As demonstrated in the first chapter, there are obvious flaws in the society the two lived in. Pyotr's narrative suggests to the reader the materialistic and selfish motivations that individuals in society possessed. Furthermore, the reader understands that individuals in this materialistic society sought to achieve pleasantness and decency in their lives. Furthermore, the reader understands that the individuals in this society are conformists, concerned entirely with the image they give of themselves to society. Tolstoy begins the story from Pyotr's perspective and narration because Pyotr is a standard representative of this imperfect society and his commentary addresses the main themes of the book. By beginning with Pyotr's reaction to Ivan's death, the reader gains an important understanding of the society addressed in the story. First, the effect of introducing the book with Ilyich's death in which Pyotr is the narrator allows the reader to recognize how the characters' society works. Pyotr being a standard representative of a rather imperfect society shows that the society is full of selfish and materialistic individuals. Society is based on class, wealth and social status. This is demonstrated in the first chapter, especially when Pyotr and his colleagues first learn of Ivan's death. “…The first thought that occurred to each of the gentlemen in this office, on learning of the death of Ivan Ilyich, was what effect it would have on their transfers and promotions or those of their acquaintances.” (Tolstoy, p. 32) The initial reaction of individuals to death is not remorse,...... middle of paper......individuals in this society, and their need to do what is considered "right" by society, in order to portray this false image of themselves to society. Overall, the effect of Pyotr's narration in the first chapter was very important in creating and describing the main thoughts and themes of the story. Themes addressed in the story included the selfish and materialistic society; the need to achieve a pleasant and correct life; and the feeling that one must portray oneself in a certain way to be accepted by society, even if this involves portraying a false image of oneself. By beginning with Ivan's death and being able to observe society's reactions to Ivan's death, the reader gains an important understanding of the themes that will be outlined throughout the story and are crucial to understanding how Ivan Ilyich led his life..