A hierarchy that exists between prisoners who work inside and those who work outside the camp. Throughout the novel, Solzhenitsyn depicts the ways in which competition and conflict between prisoners further worsen life in prison. Shukhov's practice of ritualizing meals allows him to place even more importance on something that is important to him. The minutes of eating are also a time when Shukhov's only concern is himself. Through using the spoon he crafted himself, Shukhov takes control of the meal, making it in some way his own. Through the ritual of removing his hat, Shukhov connects himself to the pre-prison world and retains his self-respect.
The ritualization of eatingįor Shukhov, the mealtimes are his few truly free moments during the day, and he thinks of them as sacred moments. Shukhov must work hard to preserve his capability for self-respect and dignity but throughout the day, he does so despite the enormous odds. Yet another is giving away some of one's food and expecting nothing in return. Another is refraining from licking empty bowls. One such act is removing one's hat at a meal. Though the prison camp system seeks to destroy, by its very nature, expression of fellow-feeling and actions based on morals and ethics, Shukhov and his fellow prisoners maintain their humanity through small acts and rituals. Through the character of Shukhov and his actions, Solzhenitsyn demonstrates that humanity can survive even the harshest conditions. Buy Study Guide The endurance of humanity
0 kommentar(er)
