Question

How does this excerpt from Leo Tolstoy’s The Death of Ivan Ilyich contribute to the plot of the novella?

Answer 1

I believe the theme of reality verses fictionality is contributed to by this excerpt 

Answer 2

Answer:

Ivan Ilyich starts to focus on the good things in his life.

Explanation:

The character Ivan Ilynch seemed to have had an epiphany, making him ponder over his past deeds, which he is not very proud of ("fell through the hole"), and finally understanding why he should focus on benevolent deeds instead ("at the bottom was light").

This epiphany is better evidenced when Ilynch notices he "is really going forwards and suddenly becomes aware of the real direction", which promptly makes him reflect about "what is the right thing?".