The Death of Ivan Ilyich Chapters 1-2 Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Who wrote it?

Leo Tolstoy

Who is on trial?

Melvinski

Who announces that Ivan is dead?

Peter

Where did Peter find this information?

The Gazette Signup and view all the answers

Ivan's disease was curable.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the first thing Ivan's friends think about when they are informed of Ivan's death?

Wondering how it will help them get a promotion Signup and view all the answers

How many extra rubles will they get for a promotion?

800 Signup and view all the answers

Who lives the furthest?

Peter (other side of the river) Signup and view all the answers

What day do they see Ivan?

Friday Signup and view all the answers

How many cabs did the carriage have?

2 Signup and view all the answers

Where is Ivan's body?

Laying on the bed Signup and view all the answers

What does Schwartz do instead of attending a church service?

Unwrap a deck of cards Signup and view all the answers

Who informs them that the service will start immediately?

Short fat lady Signup and view all the answers

Who does the widow want to speak with?

Peter Signup and view all the answers

What is the widow's name?

Praskovya Signup and view all the answers

How much will the grave plot cost?

200 rubles Signup and view all the answers

What does the widow Praskovya want from Peter?

To know if she can get more pension money from the government Signup and view all the answers

What court was Ivan a part of?

Court of justice Signup and view all the answers

At what age did Ivan die?

45 Signup and view all the answers

Father was an important figure.

True Signup and view all the answers

What child was Ivan?

Middle child Signup and view all the answers

What happened at law school?

Ivan studies with his younger brother but younger brother gets expelled Signup and view all the answers

How long does Ivan work as examining magistrate?

5 years Signup and view all the answers

Ivan abused his power.

False Signup and view all the answers

When Ivan goes to the new town what happens?

He meets Praskovya after 2 years Signup and view all the answers

Why did he marry Praskovya?

Because it gave him the most connections/money Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Praskovya each time she is pregnant?

Blames Ivan for everything Signup and view all the answers

What does Ivan do after all the blaming?

Spends more time on his work Signup and view all the answers

After 3 years as a magistrate, Ivan becomes?

Assistant public prosecutor Signup and view all the answers

After 7 years as assistant public prosecutor, Ivan becomes?

Public prosecutor Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Author and Characters

Written by Leo Tolstoy, a prominent Russian author known for his deep philosophical insights.
Melvinski is on trial, indicating a possible legal drama involved in the narrative.
Peter is the character who announces Ivan’s death to the group.

Death Announcement

The death of Ivan is reported through the gazette, highlighting the impersonal nature of news in society.
Friends of Ivan react selfishly, wondering how his death might benefit their careers and promotions.

Financial Aspects

Ivan’s friends expect to receive an additional 800 rubles for their promotions following his death.
Grieving widow Praskovya seeks information regarding the possibility of increasing her pension from the government.

Ivan's Illness and Death

Ivan’s disease is confirmed as incurable, reflecting the tragic reality of his situation.
He dies at the age of 45, with his body found resting on a bed, symbolizing his final state of being.

Personal Relationships

Schwartz, a character in the narrative, prioritizes leisure over mourning by unwrapping a deck of cards instead of attending the church service.
Praskovya, Ivan's widow, wishes to speak specifically with Peter, indicating her reliance on him for support.

Family and Background

Ivan is the middle child in the family, suggesting a possible burden of expectations placed on him.
His father was an important figure in his life, which may have influenced Ivan's career choices.
Ivan experienced a setback in law school due to his younger brother's expulsion while they studied together.

Career Progression

Ivan serves as an examining magistrate for five years, gaining valuable experience in the legal system.
He is recognized for not abusing his power throughout his career, showcasing his integrity.
After three years, he advances to the role of assistant public prosecutor, then promoted to public prosecutor after seven years.

Marriage and Dynamics

Ivan’s marriage to Praskovya is primarily calculated for social connections and financial stability.
Praskovya holds Ivan responsible for her challenges during each of her pregnancies, indicating a strained relationship.
In response to her blame, Ivan immerses himself further into his work, revealing a pattern of avoidance.

Funeral and Burial

The cost for Ivan's grave plot is set at 200 rubles, reflecting the monetary concerns surrounding death and burial.
Friends and acquaintances of Ivan, despite their initial selfish thoughts, are engaged in the funeral proceedings, demonstrating the societal expectations of mourning.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the first two chapters of Leo Tolstoy's 'The Death of Ivan Ilyich'. This quiz covers key characters, events, and themes presented in these chapters. Perfect for those studying Tolstoy's work or preparing for literature discussions.