One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich Lesson Plan

According to the narrator, Shukhov considers the 90 minutes between reveille and roll call "his." In what way does that time belong to him? In what ways does this time belong to the guards? What does this distinction indicate about the prisoner's confinement?

Most readers will observe that the fact that Shukhov can only use this time to perform tasks around the camp proves that he and his fellow prisoners experience an extreme lack of freedom. However, they should also note that Shukhov looks for places where he can assert himself and follow his own desires.

While cleaning the floors of the guardhouse, Shukhov briefly recalls his wife. Why does his wife and family...