Why does the author begin the story in the present, shift to the past, and then finish back in the present? A so that the reader
stays engaged and does not get bored B so that the reader learns about the background of the character and is better able to determine his motivations C so that the reader can determine previous external conflicts in the main character's life and therefore better understand the overall theme of the story D so that the reader is engrossed in a complex plot with intricate characters and multiple conflicts.
Answer A: the description of human struggles in the form of Ivan Ilyich’s suffering
The idea of realism implies that there is no fantastic or happy endings. Realism is very cynical and down to earth.
