Man’s will to survive-One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich
...ng for any leftover scraps of food. Fetyukov even sinks to the level of “scrounging together a pile of cigarette butts” (56). He does anything and everything for survival. He lies, cheats, steals, and even degrades himself, with out a care in the world, all this just to keep living for one more day. At one time in the novel Fetyukov is said to have “gotten beat up again for trying to scrounge somebody’s bowl” (182). Even though, this sort of thing obviously happens quite often Fetyukov keeps going and never lets up on his great will to survive. Alyoshka, a Baptist prisoner, is another character that shows a great will to survive. He also lacks adequate skills for survival. In fact, Alyoshka is said to always be “trying to please others but never getting anything out of it” (202). To make up for his weakness in skills he puts all his hope and faith into God and turns to Him to ensure his survival. He is a devout Baptist, who actually keeps a book of Gospels hidden away in a secret whole in the wall of his barracks. He is very careful to keep his precious book safely hidden (28). This truly portrays Alyoshka’s will to survive, through showing how he actually risks his life for what he believes will help him survive this dehumanizing camp-life. In addition Alyoshka constantly prays and reads his gospels. He prays in the morning, before eating and working, and also at night. His great persistence to religion illustrates his intense will to survive. The most intense will to survive is noticed through the protagonist, Shukhov. He has spent the last eight years at the labor-camp, and has developed great instincts for survival. Using his great skills, Shukhov knows how to get what he wants and needs. Such as when he wants a smoke from Caesar’s cigarette, he doesn’t go straight up to him and ask for it (like Fetyukov). Instead he waits next to Caesar and ends up getting his smoke (33-34). In addition Shukhov is skilled enough to know how to use his meager rations wisely. Shukhov is always thoughtful enough to save rations for other days that could be worse. At one time Shukhov even hides part of his bread, inside his bed, for a time when he will really be hungry (27). This shows that he is foresighted enough to plan ahead. Shukhov is also very keen on staying out of trouble. He knows to steer clear of the cruel camp officials, and he always follows orders. In fact, Shukhov is one of the few prisoners that works diligently at the work site. Shukhov has great quick thinking skills as well. Whenever he is in ...