Tradition in One Day In The Life Of Ivan Denisovich

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Tradition in One Day In The Life Of Ivan Denisovich

Explicitly, old habits die hard. People are configurations of time, place, and events preceding their life. History is studied to get a better sense of self and to recognize the contributions of other humans to the world in which we live. Traditions transcend verbally, physically, and emotionally through generations, making it difficult, if not impossible, to ostracize them from our being. In One Day In The Life Of Ivan Denisovich by Alexander Solzhenitsyn, tradition is dissected through the dichotomy of traditional versus post-modernist views portrayed by characters forced to serve, or monitor, time in a Soviet prison camp. Alyosha, Kilgas, and Tiurin live the Russian traditions in an environment oppositional to their native culture.

Alyosha is a Baptist who firmly embraces his religion and accepts his role as a zek. His faith in the Bible maintains his sanity and even inspires his living throughout the day. His discussions with Shukhov involve the purpose for their detainment. "You should rejoic...

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