Final answer:
In 'Condensed Milk' by Vaarlam Shalamov, the protagonist is transformed by an external conflict, culminating in a loss of faith in humanity symbolized by the theft of his condensed milk, leading to a hardened perspective on survival in the Gulag.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Vaarlam Shalamov's short story Condensed Milk, the protagonist experiences a significant change due to the external conflict imposed by the harsh conditions of the Gulag. Initially, the protagonist is presented as a man who must endure relentless labor and battle the cold, taking solace in simple pleasures like condensed milk.
As the story progresses, through the theft of his condensed milk, he confronts the cruelty and betrayal omnipresent in the camp, forcing a shift in his worldview. This pivotal moment marks a deeper psychological and emotional change, as the protagonist learns to navigate the treacherous human landscape of the Gulag, indicating a loss of innocence or naivety.
The story's climax comes with the realization that survival may necessitate a hardening of one's morals, accentuating a theme of dehumanization. The resolution reflects this change, as the protagonist no longer sees the world through the same lens, and the stolen condensed milk becomes a symbol of lost faith in humanity.