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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Ivan realize in Chapter 7?

2. What does Ivan's wife tell him to do in Chapter 9?

3. What does Ivan think he was too quick to do?

4. In Chapter 10, how does Ivan feel about his memories of the past?

5. What does Ivan figure out in Chapter 10 about his life?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the "black sack" in Chapter 9. What could the black sack represent to Ivan? Why does Tolstoy use the metaphor of the "black sack?" How does Tolstoy use the metaphor? Do you think Tolstoy uses this metaphor effectively? Can you think of a more effective metaphor Tolstoy could have used to make his point clearer?

Essay Topic 2

What role does religion play in Ivan's dying and death? Support your answer. Does Ivan welcome religion as a comfort while he is dying? Does Ivan scorn religion because he blames God for his death? Does Ivan go along with religious rituals to please his wife as he's gone along throughout his life doing things to please others?

Essay Topic 3

How is 19th century Russia presented in "The Death of Ivan Ilych?" Be certain to support your claims by using text from the novel as well as independent sources that describe 19th century Russia.

(see the answer keys)

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