Week 4 ~ Literary Analysis (1): Gabi R.

1. What theme or themes does the author explore in the novel?  Which passages in the text connect to theme?

In this novel, written by Alexandr Solzhenitsyn, there are many themes present, but the one which is being recently revealed is the theme of friendship. There is a strong connection between the members of gang 104. I can recall the scene where Pavlo, who could do whatever he wanted with the extra portions of food which he recieved from helping out the cook, decided to give a portion to Shukhov, Tsezar, and to Buynovsky. Besides that, the theme of friendship was also present in the scene where Shukhov was kind enough to ask if Tsezar wanted him to stand in line in the parcel room for him, in case there was a parcel for Tsezar. This was not something he was obligated to do, it was just a random act of kindness, a favor which wouldn't cost him anything. Last, but not least, friendship is evident with the forenger of gang 104, who was the center of attention while telling his story. 

In conclusion, it is evident that things are slowly changing and that friendship is becoming more common among the prisoners in gang 104.