Alexander Solzhenitsyn’s use of purpose, perspective, and his intended audience all collaborate to create his unique voice and style in the novel One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich. He uses a very straightforward and simplistic style throughout the whole novel that creates a somewhat simple read for all audiences looking to take in a written masterpiece.
It’s clear that Solzhenitsyn’s purpose is to illustrate one thing, which being the ills of these labor camps. Throughout the novel he goes into short, to the point descriptions of the weather, poor food rations, guard behavior, and living conditions in a manner that is not so complimentary towards the camp. “There was truth in that. Better to growl and submit. If you were stubborn they broke you.” (41). Shukhov refers to the guards’ harsh behavior towards the prisoners. “He’d managed to keep the cold out in most places though his hands were numb in is worn mittens. The toes of his feet were numb too.” (36). Here he tries to explain how cold he really is and the reality that he is not equipped with proper gear and protection from the cold in these camps.
Next, Solzhenitsyn draws Shukhov’s personal perspective for us in a few ways. Continuously throughout the novel Shukhov gives his own perspective of how things are and how things should be. He is very peculiar about certain Ideas and morals that must be followed in order to maintain your life in camp. Shukhov creates a system in which if you follow, you will surely stay strong and survive. “ In the camp the squad leader is everything: a good one will give you a second life; a bad one will put you in your coffin.” (36). Here he explains his view on the squad leader, one with leadership and respect for the campers is a great advantage but the campers mist pay their respects to him at the same time as well. “ Shukhov looked at the night sky and gasped- the sun had climbed almost to the dinner hour. Wonder of wonders! How time flew when you were...