Point of View

The story is written in the third person and the past tense. The narrative is consistently written from Aksionov’s perspective, meaning the reader only has access to events that Aksionov observes directly. Additionally, while the story occasionally transcribes some of Aksionov’s internal thoughts, the narration never includes the internal thoughts of any other characters. This focus on Aksionov’s perspective is important because it aids the narrative emphasis on Aksionov’s internal and external struggles. At first, Aksionov’s point of view is defined by earthly pleasures and general contentment. However, when is deprived of nearly everything in his life, he increasingly turns to religious faith for hope and solace.

Aksionov also undergoes many salient shifts in feeling and perspective when he is in the prison camp. At first, he cultivates religious faith to help enrich his life in its bleak circumstances. However...