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MonkeyNotes-One Day In the Life of Ivan Denisovich
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Themes
The key theme of the novel is the survival of the fittest in manÂ’s
struggle for existence.
Within the Siberian labor camp, life is as difficult as it gets. From
early morning to late in the evening, the prisoners must perform
hard labor and exist on meager rations. They are expected to work
in the sub freezing weather without adequate clothing or footgear.
In addition, they are constantly taunted and abused by the guards
and officials, being treated more like numbers or animals than
human beings. If they fail to follow orders, they are severely
punished. To exist in the camp requires a sturdy constitution,
cunning resourcefulness, an iron will, and a positive attitude about
life.
Men like Ivan, Tyurin, Kilgas, Gopchik, and Y-81 succeed in their
struggle for existence because they possess strong characters.
They are proud and positive, taking their hardships in stride and
living one day at a time. They do not bear grudges or covet the
possessions of other. They are also appreciative of small mercies
and grateful for little rewards, like extra rations. Because of their
outlook, they are able to pass through their life of struggle. In
contrast, characters like Captain Buynovsky, Caesar, and Fetyukov
are misfits in the labor camp. They are unable to adjust to their
surroundings and come to terms with their situation. They do not
understand that they have to struggle hard and live positively in
order to survive the harsh conditions of the camp. They spend
their time resenting their present situation and complaining about
it.
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