Using the chapter 7 study guide as a foundation for discussion and writing practice we examined Ivan's impatience with the lies and empty concerns of his immediate family and of his doctors. I discussed the parallel between the falsehoods heaped upon Ivan- that he will recover from his illness-with the false and empty values that hitherto guided his existence. By contrast, his servant exhibits true compassion. Matthew drafted study guide answers discussing the distinct values of the "servant" class and those of the upper class who value pretension over truth and compassion. As we are studying this novella as a prequel to "Into the Wild" ,the non-fiction book about the either noble or tragic death of Chris McCandles, Matthew raised good questions about how and why the novels of Tolstoy and Jack London could lead Chris McCandles to renounce civilization and family. HW-read next chapter.Test -Wednesday.