Waldorf College | REL 4035 Unit II test | Complete Q&A.

QUESTION 1 1. How did Ivan Ilych’s pain and suffering begin? 2. He hurt himself in a fight after a bridge game when Peter Ivanovich accused him of cheating. He was injured in a duel protecting the woman he loved from the wrath of his spurned wife. He was injured during the Napoleonic invasion, during which Russian troops were victorious. He hurt his side while climbing a ladder to show how he wanted draperies hung in his new house. 4 points QUESTION 2 1. In Chapter V, how does Ivan realize that he is physically transformed and getting worse? 2. His brother-in-law sees him and shows surprise at his appearance. Later, Ivan Ilych overhears his brother-in-law refer to him as “a dead man.” His official uniform no longer fits him as it once did, and he gets less respect in court. He is even passed over for promotions several times. His wife, Praskovya Fëdorovna, begins flirting with Peter Ivanovich during a party, as if Ivan Ilych is not even in the room. His children, especially his daughter, no longer recognize him, especially when they visit him at work but fail to recognize him. 4 points QUESTION 3 1. At the beginning of Tolstoy’s novella, what is the first thought on the minds of Ivan Ilych’s colleagues upon hearing of his death? 2. The changes and promotions it might occasion among themselves or their acquaintances The fate of their own immortal souls as they, too, were approaching old age, senility, and death The sad state of Ivan Ilych’s financial situation and the effects of bankruptcy on his family The assistance and consolations they could provide for Ivan Ilych’s widow and children 4 points QUESTION 4 1. What does Gerasim say that makes Ivan Ilych know that Gerasim fully understands his situation? 2. “We shall all of us die, so why should I grudge a little trouble?” “It’s going to be okay, sir; you’ll get over this in no time at all.” “I’m only doing this because I know you’ll reward me at the end.” “You’re going to a better place, Ivan Ilych. Say your prayers.” 4 points QUESTION 5 1. On his death bed, Ivan Ilych had a sudden realization: “In place of death, there was __________.” 2. life light darkness suffering 4 points QUESTION 6 1. At Ivan Ilych’s funeral, Peter Ivanovich and Schwartz were more concerned about _______ than about the deceased or his family. 2. Praskovya Fëdorovna’s well-being Ivan Ilych’s children’s inheritance A bridge game that evening. Important cases they were arguing in court 4 points QUESTION 7 1. In Chapter VIII, what do Ivan Ilych’s wife, daughter, and son do after the visit from the celebrated physician, during which the doctor implies Ivan Ilych may yet recover? 2. Do, They visit the local church and ask the priest to say prayers on Ivan Ilych’s behalf, They procure the medications that Ivan Ilych will need in order to fully recover, They go to the theater to see a play with a famous actress in the starring role, or They visit Ivan Ilych’s lawyer to make sure his last will and testament are ready. 4 points QUESTION 8 1. When he looks back over his life, which part does Ivan Ilych value most? 2. His early marriage to Praskovya Fëdorovna The birth of his children, Lisa and Vasya His student days at the School of Law His childhood 4 points QUESTION 9 1. Beyond the pain he felt, what tormented Ivan Ilych most? 2. Losing his job at the law courts due to his extended absences from work due to illness, The fact that everyone believed in the same lie or deception (i.e., he was not dying, but was just ill), The fact that his family would not take care of him, instead paying Gerasim to be his nurse, or Not being able to walk his daughter down the aisle at her upcoming wedding ceremony 4 points QUESTION 10 1. What does Gerasim do that makes Ivan Ilych feel better was it, 2. Gerasim substitutes for Ivan Ilych at the law courts, Gerasim screens Ivan Ilych’s visitors, like Peter Ivanovich, Gerasim raises Ivan Ilych’s children, Lisa and Vasya, or Gerasim holds up Ivan Ilych’s legs on his shoulders. QUESTION 11 1. In The Death of Ivan Ilych, Tolstoy famously describes his titular character’s life as “most simple and most ordinary and therefore most terrible.” What do you think Tolstoy means by this? Please analyze The Death of Ivan Ilych in your response. Your response must be at least 300 words in length. In "The Death of Ivan Ilych," Tolstoy delves into the essence of human existence, highlighting themes such as existential angst, societal pressures, and the quest for significance. The phrase you've mentioned, "most simple and most ordinary and therefore most terrible," encapsulates Tolstoy's argument regarding the hollowness inherent in lives molded by societal expectations. Ivan Ilych's life unfolds along a conventional path: conforming to societal norms, pursuing a career, marrying, and raising a family. Yet, beneath this facade of normalcy lies a profound sense of dissatisfaction. Ivan's relentless pursuit of social status and material success leaves him feeling empty and disconnected from genuine fulfillment. His existence becomes a quest for external validation, overshadowing his inner desires and authentic self. Tolstoy suggests that Ivan's life's simplicity intensifies the dread of his impending death. Confronting mortality compels Ivan to reassess his life's meaning, confronting the superficiality of his achievements. Through this confrontation, Ivan is forced to grapple with existential questions he previously ignored. Tolstoy critiques the societal pressures that shape Ivan's world, prioritizing conformity and superficial success over individual authenticity and spiritual contentment. Ivan's peers epitomize this shallow ethos, more concerned with appearances than genuine human connection. This societal conformity exacerbates Ivan's sense of isolation, hindering him from finding true fulfillment. In sum, Tolstoy's assertion that Ivan's life is "most simple and most ordinary and therefore most terrible" underscores the emptiness prevalent in lives dictated by societal norms. Through Ivan's journey, Tolstoy prompts readers to ponder the essence of existence, the pursuit of meaning, and the necessity of living authentically despite mortality's specter. QUESTION 12 1. Ivan Ilych goes through much pain and unpleasantness in his life, but he does not always deal with it in healthy ways. How do you deal with pain in your life, be it physical, emotional, intellectual, or spiritual? Can you see healthier ways to deal with it? Please analyze The Death of Ivan Ilych in your response. Your response must be at least 400 words in length. In "The Death of Ivan Ilych," Ivan Ilych grapples with both physical agony and existential torment, revealing the intricate layers of human coping mechanisms. Initially, Ivan's response to physical distress is characterized by denial and detachment. He endeavors to preserve a veneer of normalcy, sidestepping the gravity of his ailment and seeking solace in superficial diversions. Yet, this evasion strategy merely compounds his anguish, as the stark reality of his condition looms ominously. Through my own encounters with pain, I've learned that avoidance often prolongs suffering, hindering the process of healing and fostering persistent distress. Like Ivan, in my personal journey, I've encountered a spectrum of pains whether it be physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual. Each necessitating distinct strategies for resolution and personal development. In my own life, I endeavor to confront pain with mindfulness and self-compassion. I acknowledge pain as an intrinsic facet of the human experience, viewing it as an opportunity for personal growth and transformation. Rather than evading or suppressing pain, I strive to engage with it courageously and inquisitively, discerning its underlying causes and deriving wisdom from its lessons. This may entail seeking professional guidance, embracing self-care rituals, or nurturing resilience through spiritual or philosophical exploration.