The Death of Ivan Ilyich

Multiple Choice

1. C (Chapter 1)

2. A (Chapter 1)

3. D (Chapter 2)

4. A (Chapter 2)

5. A (Chapter 2)

6. C (Chapter 3)

7. A (Chapter 6)

8. C (Chapter 8)

9. A (Various chapters)

Long Answer

1. Tolstoy’s novella is structured into 12 parts, most of which focuses on Ivan’s illness and deteriorating health. Tolstoy uses a third-person narration style with an omniscient narrator; however, other than Chapter 1, which is told from the perspective of Pyotr Ivanovich, the story follows Ivan throughout his life. By starting with Ivan’s death, the reader understands that Ivan was not necessarily a well-liked or loved person and that he must have had Misplaced Priorities. The narration skims over most of Ivan’s life prior to his accident, slowing down in the final weeks before his death as he becomes more reflective on his life as a whole. (Various chapters)