The theme that Leo Tolstoy explores in this excerpt from The Death of Ivan Ilyich is C. Human mortality is inevitable, and it is important to live an authentic life. Tolstoy states that proper attitude towards life is formed by preparation of death. Ivans terror shifts to joy when he changes his attitude towards life which is caused by pain and death. Accepting the true nature of life and accepting the death leads to peace, joy, and confidence at the time of death.
