Question

What symbols does Tolstoy use in chapters 9–12 of The Death of Ivan Ilyich to express Ivan Ilyich’s condition? Fill in the table with each symbol, an excerpt from the text in which the symbol appears, and its significance.

Answer 1

The executioner (symbol)  He struggled as a man condemned to death struggles in the hands of the executioner, knowing that he cannot save himself. (Excerpt) The executioner symbolizes death. Ivan Ilyich realizes that he cannot escape death. (significance)

the black hole (symbol) He felt that his agony was due to his being thrust into that black hole and still more to his not being able to get right into it.(excerpt) The black hole symbolizes Ivan Ilyich’s refusal to accept death. It also symbolizes his denial that his life has lacked meaning or purpose. This denial prolongs and worsens his misery. (significance)

the light (symbol) Suddenly some force struck him in the chest and side, making it still harder to breathe, and he fell through the hole and there at the bottom was a light…  At that very moment Ivan Ilyich fell through and caught sight of the light, and it was revealed to him that though his life had not been what it should have been, this could still be rectified…   In place of death there was light.(excerpt) The light symbolizes Ivan Ilyich’s moving from the darkness and ignorance in his life into the final stage of understanding and acceptance of his condition. This acceptance helps him conquer his fear of death. (significance)

Answer 2

Answer:

Explanation: The executioner (symbol)  He struggled as a man condemned to death struggles in the hands of the executioner, knowing that he cannot save himself. (Excerpt) The executioner symbolizes death. Ivan Ilyich realizes that he cannot escape death. (significance)

the black hole (symbol) He felt that his agony was due to his being thrust into that black hole and still more to his not being able to get right into it.(excerpt) The black hole symbolizes Ivan Ilyich’s refusal to accept death. It also symbolizes his denial that his life has lacked meaning or purpose. This denial prolongs and worsens his misery. (significance)

the light (symbol) Suddenly some force struck him in the chest and side, making it still harder to breathe, and he fell through the hole and there at the bottom was a light…  At that very moment Ivan Ilyich fell through and caught sight of the light, and it was revealed to him that though his life had not been what it should have been, this could still be rectified…   In place of death there was light.(excerpt) The light symbolizes Ivan Ilyich’s moving from the darkness and ignorance in his life into the final stage of understanding and acceptance of his condition. This acceptance helps him conquer his fear of death.

(significance)