Question

1

Select the correct answer.
What does the candle symbolize in this excerpt from Leo Tolstoy’s The Death of Ivan Ilyich?

Answer 1

In this excerpt the candle symbolizes Ivan Illyich's approaching death.

Ivan is thinking about his death and what will happen to him afterwards. This is reflected in the candle falling to the floor. Because once there was light from the candle, and since it falls that light is no more. The burning out of the candle symbolizes death.