Philosophy B12

Philosophy B12 Take Home Exam 2

Due as a PDF file on Canvas

Answer any TWO (2) of the following questions. Please write the number to the questions you

are answering. All answers must be typed, double spaced, in 12 point font, and stapled. You will

lose points if this criteria is not met. You must cite from both the Tolstoy book and the Kubler-

Ross book IN EACH QUESTION. For citations, please use MLA format. For help citing, check

Canvas. Points will be deducted if direct quotes are not used and/or if quotes are not properly

cited.

1. Illustrate examples of the five stages of grieving in Tolstoy’s The Death of Ivan Ilych as

presented by Kubler-Ross in her book, On Death and Dying. Be specific and use quotations

from both books to illustrate each stage. Be sure to provide insight into each example, perhaps

by commenting on what went right or wrong, offering some advice (and why that advice is

justified and helpful), and/or empathizing with the character used to illustrate each stage. Be

creative but be thorough. Again, make your point, support your point, and reconnect to your

point.

A sample outline: (please write your response in paragraphs, not numbered, listed, or bulleted):

Paragraph 1: Denial

 Explain a point Kubler-Ross makes about denial

 Include a quote from Kubler-Ross to illustrate this point and explain how it relates to

Kubler-Ross’ point; relate that quote back to Kubler-Ross’ point

 Discuss an example of denial from Tolstoy

 Include a quote from Tolstoy to illustrate this example and explain how it relates to

Tolstoy’s point

 Connect the two points you made from Kubler-Ross and Tolstoy to show how what

Kubler-Ross states is shown in the Tolstoy story.

Repeat for all stages.

2. Describe Ivan Ilych’s relationship with three people in the story as he is dying. These could be

his doctors, family, and friends. With each of these relationships, provide some insight from

Kubler-Ross’ book. What do you think she would say to or about these characters? Why? What

advice would you give each of them after reading both The Death of Ivan Ilych and On Death

and Dying? Be specific and use quotations from both books to illustrate each relationship.

Be sure to provide insight into each example.

A sample outline: (please write your response in paragraphs, not numbered, listed, or bulleted):

Character X:

 Explain an aspect of the relationship between Character X and Ivan after Ivan

becomes ill.

 Include a quote to illustrate that aspect of the relationship and relate back to your

point

 Explain what Kubler-Ross may say when observing this relationship

 Include a quote to support what Kubler-Ross might say.

 Explain the significance of the quote and how it connects to Ivan

Repeat for all three characters

3. Based on the observations of both The Death of Ivan Ilych and the On Death and Dying,

identify some overlapping problems or failures in our approach (healthcare systems or families)

when helping those with loss or trauma? Then, discuss how we can address and fix those

problems or failures, drawing examples from each book. Finally, what impacts should these

works have on the family and friends of those who are enduring some trauma, dying or

otherwise, and how/why should the caretakers (medical or otherwise) respond differently? Be

specific and use quotations from both books to illustrate. Be sure to provide insight into each

example.

A sample outline: (please write your response in paragraphs, not numbered, listed, or bulleted):

 Identify a problem or failure in healthcare systems or families that is common/overlaps in

both books

 Explain how the problem presents itself in the Tolstoy book

 Include a quote from Tolstoy to illustrate the problem or failure and relate it back to your

point

 Explain a same or similar problem in the Kubler-Roos book

 Include a quote from Kubler-Ross to illustrate the problem or failure and relate it back to

your point

 Connect the two points you made from Kubler-Ross and Tolstoy to show how what

Kubler-Ross states is shown in the Tolstoy story.

Do this for at least two different problems or failures; you may not write about a point that

you have already written about in another question. You may not use an example or quote

that you have already used. You may not write on any of the stages; that is for question 1

only.

4. What have you learned from both The Death of Ivan Ilych and On Death and Dying? Discuss

any aspects of these works have in common which you found enlightening and explain why.

How have these common themes changed your perspective on death, dying, grieving, or helping

others in this process? Be specific and use quotations from both books to illustrate each

theme/lesson. Be sure to provide insight into each example.

A sample outline: (please write your response in paragraphs, not numbered, listed, or bulleted):

 Identify a theme or lesson that is common in both books

 Explain how the lesson presents itself in the Tolstoy book

 Include a quote from Tolstoy to illustrate the theme or lesson and relate it back to your

point

 Explain a same or similar theme or lesson in the Kubler-Roos book

 Include a quote from Kubler-Ross to illustrate the theme or lesson and relate it back to

your point

 Connect the two points you made from Kubler-Ross and Tolstoy to show how what

Kubler-Ross states is shown in the Tolstoy story.

Do this for at least two different themes or lessons

NOTE: DO NOT WRITE ABOUT ANY OF THE STAGES OF GRIEF (except hope);

that is Question 1.

What NOT to do!

 DO NOT WRITE ABOUT A POINT THAT YOU HAVE ALREADY WRITTEN

ABOUT IN PREVIOUS ANSWERS.

 DO NOT USE AN EXAMPLE OR QUOTE YOU HAVE ALREADY USED. You must

think of something original.

**NOTE: In addition to answering the questions thoroughly, keep in mind you are also being

graded on how well you integrate the two texts. Really demonstrate the similarities and

compatibility of the two books.

Other Grading Notes:

 Quotes: Did you select meaningful quotes? Did you integrate them into your text well?

Did you stop to explain and relate your quotes to your point? There are no hanging quotes

(leaving it at the end of a paragraph without explaining or relating it to your point), not

too many or too few quotes.

 Quotes should be meaningful and well-explained. Don’t include a “sound byte” quotes

like “why me?” or “No, not me”. Use and explain substantial, meaningful quotes.

 You MUST use direct quotes from the articles. All work MUST be cited in your work,

MLA style (author and page number). For help, the library offers workshops, there is an

MLA link on the BC library homepage, and there are MLA handouts in the library

 Mechanics: Did you follow instructions (double spacing, stapled, correct font and

spacing)? Do you use correct grammar, spelling, citation, etc.? Do you use academic

language (no slang)?

 No cover sheet is necessary; no separate works cited page is necessary.

Since I have given you sample outlines, I will answer questions about the prompt/instructions,

but I will not read drafts. Please visit the writing center or collaborate with classmates for drafts

or proofreading.

**A NOTE ON PLAGIARISM**: See syllabus for policy on plagiarism. If your assignment

contains plagiarism, it will receive a zero and you will not be allowed to redo it. Again, if you

have questions, please see me.

Check Semester Schedule for Due Date

Typed, double-spaced, 12 point academic font.

(failure to follow directions will result in points lost)

Late submissions will suffer an automatic 10 point deduction—no exceptions.

No exams will be accepted one week after the deadline.