Chapter 2 Summary

Ivan's life is most ordinary and hence terrible. He is committed to doing his duty, which he feels is to do whatever pleases those in authority. Ivan goes through school, studies law and eventually marries because it seems expected of him.

Before long, Ivan's marriage becomes unhappy. Ivan feels that his wife wants him to entertain her just because she is bored all of the time. The more Ivan senses that, the more he carves out a life independent of her. He plays bridge with his friends and becomes more and more ambitious in his work. He has no imagination for creating another kind of life. They have children, but three of them die. With each loss, his wife becomes more ill tempered.

Still, Ivan is mostly satisfied with his life. His ambition results in increasing levels of power at work and he...