What is the difference between the “regular” tenses and the “perfect” tenses?

Arrange the events in ivan ilyich's life, which are described in chapters 1–4 of leo tolstoy's the death of ivan ilyich, in chronological order. ivan ilyich becomes assistant public prosecutor, a position that he serves in for seven years. ivan ilyich meets zachar ivanovich in st. petersburg and receives a guaranteed appointment in the department of justice. ivan ilyich graduates from the school of law and qualifies for the tenth rank of the civil service. ivan ilyich becomes a public prosecutor and is transferred to another province. ivan ilyich is offered the post of examining magistrate in a russian province.

What logical prediction can be made from this passage?

What inferences can be made about odysseus based on his choice to stay and see the cyclops?