Question

What theme is portrayed in this excerpt from Leo Tolstoy’s The Death of Ivan Ilyich?

In reality it was just what is usually seen in the houses of people of moderate means who want to appear rich, and therefore succeed only in resembling others like themselves: there are damasks, dark wood, plants, rugs, and dull and polished bronzes—all the things people of a certain class have in order to resemble other people of that class. His house was so like the others that it would never have been noticed, but to him it all seemed to be quite exceptional. He was very happy when he met his family at the station and brought them to the newly furnished house all lit up, where a footman in a white tie opened the door into the hall decorated with plants, and when they went on into the drawing-room and the study uttering exclamations of delight. He conducted them everywhere, drank in their praises eagerly, and beamed with pleasure.

Answer 1

The theme portrayed in the excerpt from Leo Tolstoy is about life. The persona show a life where it is artificial or fake. How the persona wants the people to praise him but the true happiness and meaning of life was not found.

Answer 2

Keeping up appearances in society.

Step-by-step explanation:

In this excerpt of The Death of Ivan Ilyich, the author discusses the theme of keeping up appearances in society. He tells us of a character who cares about this deeply. He wants to resemble people of means, which means that he carefully presents an image that allows him to fulfill this role. He decorates his house with damasks, dark wood, plants, rugs and bronzes in the same fashion as everyone else who resembles him in class and social position, and this brings him great pride.