Question

select the correct answer. what theme is portrayed in this excerpt from leo tolstoys 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. a. the effect of consumerism b. the power of wealth c. keeping up appearances in society d. conforming to societal conventions

Explanation:

The excerpt describes people of a certain class trying to appear rich and successful by having things like damasks, dark wood, etc. in their houses, which is about conforming to societal expectations of how people of a certain economic - social standing should present themselves. It is not about consumerism, power of wealth, or just keeping up appearances in a general sense but conforming to specific societal norms related to class and appearance.

Answer:

D. conforming to societal conventions