The key similarity between Gerasim and Vladimir Ivanovich in Tolstoy's "The Death of Ivan Ilyich" is that they both show an empathy with, and compassion for their fellow human beings in the book. Gerasim is a poor man who is not interested in the materialism of both Ivanovich and Ivan Ilyich. Vladimir Ivanovich, on the other hand, fits into the same materialistic, social class as Ivan Ilyich. Tolstoy portrays the people who are interested in materialism, as shallow and self-serving. It is very interesting that, while Ilyich is portrayed as materialistic, he is still able to show empathy and compassion to his fellow man.
