Ivan Denisovich Shukhov example essay topic

The novel, A Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich by Alexander Solzhenitsyn, is a very detailed and graphic description of one man's life struggle in a Stalinist work camp. It is the story of Ivan Denisovich's, most often going by the name of Shukhov, determination and strength to endure the hardships of imprisonment and dehumanization. The most memorable scene shows Shukhov's determination to survive and adapt to his life. The meal scenes of the novel are where he demonstrates that he has learned to adjust in order to survive.

"When you worked for the knowing you gave them quality; when you worked for a fool you simply gave him eyewash" (page 26). This is the most important quote in the novel because it is the law of which Shukhov lives and survives by. This novel is an account of one day of a man's struggle with the life that has been dealt to him. Ivan Denisovich Shukhov is a man that has learned to deal with a life that is an endless struggle for survival. For example, Shukhov has learned to prioritize the necessities of his life. One being a decent amount of food daily.

Shukhov has been able to learn the ropes of the camp and know what he has to do and who he has to interact with in order to get them. He also knows that he should not take lightly what he has and because of that, more than once saved pieces of bread, from an already small meal, for times when he knows he will need them more. Furthermore, Shukhov knows that he is not the only one with a life like his and treats his fellow "zeus" with the help and compassion they deserve. He has helped out many of the other zeus learn to survive in the work camp and in turn is given more respect than others. In addition, Shukhov, although dehumanized at almost every time of the day, is still able to keep values of his own. Values of respect, to those who have earned it; self pride, so not to be pushed around by just anyone; and even after eight years of facing the bitter cold he will not eat with his hat on.

It is Shukhov's character that kept him alive and sane after eight years in the harsh Stalinist Work Camp. Throughout the novel the meal times are pointed out as being very important to Shukhov. It is during these meal times we are able to see the adaptations and survival skills the Shukhov has gained. During one meal Shukhov goes to great length in order to gain more than one serving of oatmeal. Oatmeal, which he later states he did not think he would ever want so much. Because of the respect he has gained by Pavlov, his deputy squad leader, Shukhov was able to retrieve more than one serving of oatmeal.

He was willing to gamble a ten day sentence of misery in a cell in order to have another helping of food This scene is most memorable because it allows you to become more aware of the hardships Shukhov has to go through. Hardships that are real, for survival, and not of missed deadlines and what to wear for an important date. Shukhov is not determined to succeed, become wealthy or become powerful, Shukhov is simply trying to survive in life and live until the next day. It is during this scene in the book that I am most aware of the reality of Shukhov's life and those like him. It helps to put a better perspective on my values and re prioritize what I feel is important in my life. Through this quote you can really tell why kind of person Shukhov is and how he is able to endure the hardships of the bitter cold and harsh conditions at the Stalinist Work Camp.

Throughout the novel Shukhov interacts with many people. These people are treated in all different ways. For example, Tiurin, his squad leader, is a person of knowing to Shukhov and therefore Shukhov works hard for him. In turn, Tiurin returns the favors.

On the other hand there are people like Fetiukov whom Shukhov considers to be a fool and is treated as such. This quote is what Shukhov lives by throughout the novel regarding the interaction he has with other people. Ivan Denisovich Shukhov is a person who was able to adapt to harsh conditions through intelligence and flexibility. Not once has he questioned his existence in the novel but he has accepted it and learned to live with it rather than go day to day and let it eat away at him. Shukhov's strong character is evident throughout the meal scene of the novel and the quote. A Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich by Alexander Solzhenitsyn looks past the Russian mistreatment in Stalinist Work Camp's but goes deeper into man kind's natural instinct for survival.