One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich

Characterize Ivan Denisovich Shukhov. What are his primary characteristics? What are his flaws? What are his values? How does he feel about being in the forced labor camp? Is he looking forward to the end of his prison term? Why or why not?

Compare and contrast Buinovsky and Fetuikov. How do their attitudes and experiences differ? Does Shukhov think they will survive their prison terms? Why or why not?

Identify the reasons why Shukhov, Tiurin, and Gopchik are imprisoned. How do their backgrounds influence the theme of The Human Cost of Stalinism? Use information about real-world political repression to support your argument.