One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich is a story about a man forced to live his life in a labor camp. The entire novel is about one day in the life of Ivan Denisovich. Throughout the story themes of personal pride, and striving for one's own dignity are exemplified. Ivan Denisovich was falsely accused of his crime, and is making the best of his current situation in the camp. He makes many friends through the entire story. Many of his comrades like himself have been sent to the camp due to the deception of their government. Many of the men in the camp live everyday taking no pride in the work that they do, and care nothing about their lives. Taking pride in his work is where Ivan Denisovich's uniqueness in this novel shines through. He takes pride in everything that he does regardless if he likes doing the work. Even though Shukhov is sent to a prison falsely accused his mindset, and personal pride in his everyday work can keep him focused on the bigger picture, which in a labor camp is survival.
             The bigger picture in Shukhov's life in the soviet labor camp is staying alive. Many of the men in the camp have no concerns about their lives or their work. Many men get into trouble with the guards, and are sent to solitary confinement. One of Shukhovs greatest fears is being sent to these places where "If you had ten days in the cells here and sat the time out to the end it meant you'd be a wreck for the rest of your life"(187). Even though Shukhov states to the reader that he realizes that his life will never be the same, he still takes pride in many everyday jobs. Keeping a since of comfort in the camp is also one of Shukhovs main objectives. He would help anyone out that needed his help and "got his money by doing odd jobs"(174). During the course of the story Shukhov does many favors that help out others, but by doing these favors he is repaid in the long run.
             ...