The Meaning of a Good Life

This worksheet encourages students to reflect on what it truly means to live a “good” and meaningful life through the lens of The Death of Ivan Ilyich. Students analyze Ivan’s beliefs about success and respectability, then compare them to deeper qualities that define a meaningful life. This activity strengthens skills in critical thinking, thematic analysis, and personal reflection while helping students connect literature to real-life values. Designed for grades 9-12, it supports thoughtful discussion and deeper philosophical understanding.

Key Learning Objectives

• Thematic Exploration – Students examine ideas about meaning, success, and fulfillment
• Critical Thinking – Learners evaluate different definitions of a “good life”
• Personal Reflection – Encourages connections between text and real-life values
• Written Expression – Builds skills in explaining and supporting ideas

Learning Benefits

• Thought-provoking prompts – Encourages meaningful and reflective responses
• Print-and-go format – No prep required for easy use
• Discussion-ready – Ideal for class conversations or journaling
• Supports deeper understanding – Moves beyond plot into philosophical ideas

This worksheet helps students explore one of the central questions of Tolstoy’s work in a personal and meaningful way. By reflecting on Ivan’s life and their own beliefs, learners strengthen comprehension, reasoning, and writing skills. It also reinforces the importance of values like compassion, authenticity, and purpose. Whether used in a classroom or homeschool setting, this activity supports thoughtful engagement, deeper insight, and a lasting connection to the novel’s themes.