Question

One day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich

Alexzander Solzhenitsyn

There are different ways to be imprisoned or exiled from a country. Many people tend to think of prisoners as “something else,” as broken, as not-quite-human. Their identity is chipped away as the prison culture takes over their lives. But in some ways, many of us feel imprisoned, like the Native American boys on the reservation, or the African American characters trapped in poverty. Sometimes this exclusion is felt as a result of ethnic identity or social class. These “outsider” positions give writers a unique vantage point. Think about what the experience of Solzhenitsyn allowed him to see. He was innocent of everything except having an opinion and a strong voice
but was seen as dangerous. The Communists were right to fear him, though because this book single-handedly broke the USSR’s claim that Socialism was better on moral grounds. Respond to the following questions regarding imprisonment.

1. Do prisoners see things that the rest of us may not notice or appreciate?
2. How do prisoners see themselves differently and how do they change to adapt?
3. Can prisoners leave cultural identity behind? Should they do so?
4. Are prisoners traumatized by their new environment and by memories of their past, too?
5. What is Solzhenitsyn trying to say in One Day about the importance of the individual?
6. Socialism vs. Capitalism is a controversial political issue. Where do you stand on it?
7. Should the United States offer more rights to prisoners, such as voting rights?

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

1. Yes, prisoners may see things differently than those who are not imprisoned. Their experiences may provide them with unique perspectives on societal issues and may lead to a greater appreciation for the freedoms and opportunities that others may take for granted.

2. Prisoners may see themselves differently as a result of their imprisonment. They may feel isolated, stigmatized, and even dehumanized. To adapt, they may form new identities or form alliances with other prisoners.

3. Whether or not prisoners should leave their cultural identity behind is a complex issue. While assimilation may make their lives easier while in prison, it may also lead to a loss of their sense of self and their connection to their culture.

4. Yes, prisoners may experience trauma as a result of their imprisonment and the memories of their past. The stress of being imprisoned, the loss of freedom, and the stigmatization associated with being a prisoner may have long-lasting effects on mental health.

5. In One Day, Solzhenitsyn is emphasizing the importance of individualism in the face of oppression. He is suggesting that individuals have a moral responsibility to stand up for what they believe in, even in the face of extreme adversity.

6. I would choose socialism, but all of the previous attempts and plans of enacting socialism have backfired terribly. So my answer would be capitalism, right? No, it still is a very unfair and unjust proposition.

7. Whether or not prisoners should have the right to vote is a contentious issue. While some argue that all citizens should have the right to vote, others believe that prisoners forfeit that right when they break the law. Ultimately, this is a decision for lawmakers and society as a whole to make.