The Death of Ivan Ilyich — Questions and answers

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In Petersburg, what news did Fyodor Vasilievich announce in the Law Courts building?

Choices

  1. Pyotr Ivanovich had been promoted.
  2. Gerasim had found a new position.
  3. Praskovya Fedorovna was seeking a pension.
  4. Ivan Ilyich Golovin had died. ✓

Answer: Ivan Ilyich Golovin had died.

From page 1

What was Ivan Ilyich's solution to his marital disappointments?

Choices

  1. He sought a new posting in a different province.
  2. He found solace in his children's company.
  3. He attempted to reconcile with Praskovya Fedorovna.
  4. He dedicated himself entirely to his legal work. ✓

Answer: He dedicated himself entirely to his legal work.

From page 2

What happened to Ivan Ilyich while he was decorating his new apartment in Petersburg?

Choices

  1. He decided to move to a different apartment on Stolovy Lane.
  2. He fell from a ladder and struck his side against a window frame. ✓
  3. He argued with the upholsterer over the choice of curtains.
  4. He discovered a hidden room he had not noticed before.

Answer: He fell from a ladder and struck his side against a window frame.

From page 3

What physical symptom did Ivan Ilyich first notice after his fall?

Choices

  1. A sudden loss of appetite.
  2. A dull discomfort in his left side. ✓
  3. A persistent cough and fever.
  4. A strange numbness in his right arm.

Answer: A dull discomfort in his left side.

From page 4

How did the celebrated doctor respond to Ivan Ilyich's direct question about his condition being dangerous?

Choices

  1. The doctor stated that it was too soon to say anything definite. ✓
  2. The doctor recommended immediate surgery for a floating kidney.
  3. The doctor advised him to seek a second opinion from another specialist.
  4. The doctor immediately reassured him that it was not serious.

Answer: The doctor stated that it was too soon to say anything definite.

From page 5

What logical principle did Ivan Ilyich recall from his schoolbook while alone in his study?

Choices

  1. All men are created equal.
  2. Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.
  3. The shortest distance between two points is a straight line.
  4. Caius is a man, men are mortal, therefore Caius is mortal. ✓

Answer: Caius is a man, men are mortal, therefore Caius is mortal.

From page 6

Who provided Ivan Ilyich with relief from his aching legs during the long nights?

Choices

  1. The doctors prescribed a new type of pain medication.
  2. Praskovya Fedorovna would massage his legs.
  3. His daughter Liza would read to him until he slept.
  4. Gerasim would hold his legs on his shoulders. ✓

Answer: Gerasim would hold his legs on his shoulders.

From page 7

What did Ivan Ilyich feel as Praskovya Fedorovna and Liza prepared for the theatre?

Choices

  1. A quiet resignation to his fate.
  2. A wave of something close to hatred. ✓
  3. A deep sense of longing to join them.
  4. A sudden urge to speak with them about his illness.

Answer: A wave of something close to hatred.

From page 8

What stopped Ivan Ilyich's screaming for a moment near the end of his life?

Choices

  1. His son Vasya kissed his hand and began to cry. ✓
  2. Gerasim entered the room and spoke to him quietly.
  3. The doctors administered a powerful sedative.
  4. His wife Praskovya Fedorovna offered him comfort.

Answer: His son Vasya kissed his hand and began to cry.

From page 9

What did Ivan Ilyich find at the bottom of the black sack after he stopped struggling?

Choices

  1. Complete darkness and despair.
  2. A profound sense of loneliness.
  3. Light and understanding. ✓
  4. A sudden and intense pain.

Answer: Light and understanding.

From page 10