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How does Ivan Ilyich's story exemplify the literary movement of realism, and what aspects of the narrative align with the characteristics of this genre?

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Final answer:

Ivan Ilyich's story exemplifies the literary movement of realism by focusing on ordinary life, everyday struggles, and the accurate portrayal of settings and characters. It uses a realistic narrative that is relatable to readers and avoids sensationalism, aligning with the characteristics of the genre such as multidimensional characters and the absence of idealized endings.

Step-by-step explanation:

Ivan Ilyich's story is an exemplar of the literary movement of realism which focuses on the depiction of everyday life and the ordinary experiences of middle-class individuals. In this genre, realistic elements are emphasized over the romanticized and idealized, showing life as it is with all its complexities and without the guarantee of happy resolutions. The characteristics of the genre that align with Ivan Ilyich's tale include its focus on the mundane aspects of life, the depiction of common struggles such as health and mortality, and the use of everyday language that matches the social status of the characters. Emphasis is put on accurate, detailed settings that reflect the actual world, and characters are developed to be multidimensional, with an extensive portrayal of their inner lives through a typically omniscient narrator.

The narrative avoids sensationalism and instead presents characters and events that the average reader could find relatable. This approach allows for a deeper exploration of social issues and human conditions, driven by character development rather than plot twists or exaggerated emotionalism. Ivan Ilyich's story fits right into this paradigm, with its focus on real-life circumstances, internal struggles, and the lack of a perfectly resolved conclusion, thus mirroring the unvarnished reality of human life.

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