If you loved Severance Episode 7 you should read The Death of Ivan Ilyich

Alongside The Lexington Letter, there’s a text to add to your readlist if you’re a fan of Severance: The Death of Ivan Ilyich. Especially after the explosive Season 2 Episode 7. Warning: spoilers ahead!

What Lumon is really up to has been the mystery at the core of Severance ever since it debuted back in 2022. Although we’ve had plenty of hints along the way, the latest episode of the Apple TV+ series shares more than we’ve ever known before. 

Notably, it focuses on Gemma. We see more of her backstory with Mark, how she came to be Ms Casey, and just what’s going on past the Exports Hall. 

With so much to take note of, you might have missed a reference to Leo Tolstoy’s The Death of Ivan Ilyich, but it’s a novel that’s well worth your time. 

The Death of Ivan Ilyich, a Severance book recommendation 

As is shown in a flashback scene, Gemma and Mark first met at Ganz College. Gemma reveals that her student’s work is based on “themes of religious conversion in Tolstoy’s The Death of Ivan Ilyich.”

Apple TV+

We learned in Severance’s first chapter that Gemma and Mark were professors at the college, specializing in Russian literature and World War I, respectively. 

Tolstoy’s 1886 novella is particularly pertinent, as it follows Ivan Ilyich, a high-ranking judge who, after a seemingly minor injury, descends into agony as he confronts his impending death. 

As his condition worsens, he begins to question the meaning of his life, leading to a profound existential reckoning. The book’s themes – mortality, existentialism, and alienation – align closely with Severance’s exploration of identity and control. 

Like Ivan, Innies are stripped of their autonomy, forcing them to reevaluate their existence. 

Gemma’s connection to the book may hint at deeper philosophical underpinnings in the TV show, but it also may be connected to something much darker. 

Her student is discussing themes of “religious conversion”, as Tolstoy himself had been through a radical spiritual transformation when he wrote The Death of Ivan Ilyich, one that rejected materialism and sought enlightenment and truth.

In contrast, Lumon operates with a near-religious devotion to Kier Eagan. Employees chant his name, study his writings, and blindly obey his doctrines… it’s basically a cult. 

Apple TV+

Where Tolstoy’s work explores spiritual awakening and personal freedom, Lumon’s philosophy enforces obedience and suppression.

This contrast becomes even more chilling by the fact that Lumon has been manipulating Mark and Gemma’s lives long before they ever set foot in the company. 

As is revealed in Season 2 Episode 7, the organization targeted them from the moment they entered the fertility clinic (Lumon’s Testing Floor head, Dr Mauer, was even present that day). 

But just as Ivan ultimately rejects his shallow life, Mark, Gemma, and the other employees are attempting to break free from the reality they’ve been forced to believe. 

Or, you know, this is all just reading far too deep into things. But even so, The Death of Ivan Ilyich is a classic, and if it’s good enough for Gemma, it’s good enough for us.

Make sure you know when the next episode drops with our guide to the Severance Season 2 release schedule, and check out our guides on Asal Reghabi, the Glasgow Block, and whether Helly might be pregnant.

If you want to refresh your memory, we have recaps of Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3, Episode 4, Episode 5, and Episode 6.