Solzhenitsyn's dynamic prison novel is the product of his time spent in a Stalinist labor camp, where he spent every day cold and hungry. A Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich is the vessel that Solzhenitsyn used to explore the various relationships between the prisoners, or Zeks, and the omnipotent hunger that plagues these labor camps. Solzhenitsyn's primary means of developing these relationships is through character and plot development. Four main characters are used to demonstrate how hunger can transform a person: Fetiukov, Aloyshka, Tsezar and the protagonist, Shukhov. Fetiukov is dehumanized by his constant, animalistic search for subsistence. Aloyshka sees her aching belly as a test from her God so that he can strengthen her spiritual relationship. Tsezar uses his abundance of food to manipulate others in the camp. Shukhov draws strength and motivation from his hunger to work harder despite the freezing winds of the Siberian winter. Fetiukov: The Jackal In the exposition of the novel, Fetiukov is described by the speaker as having “the last place in his team” (p. .13). Getting last place on a team means being the least respected and possessing the least dignity among any other Zek on a team. Fetiukov is considered this way because he lost his dignity and the respect of others by succumbing to barbaric attempts to satisfy his hunger. For example, Fetiukov was known in the labor camp as "the kind of person who, when tending to someone else's bowl, took the potatoes" (p. 14). He was also known for “collecting cigarette butts (he even collected them with the spittoons, he wasn't difficult)” (p. 41). Fetiukov's petty and constant search for food sours both of his feelings...... middle of paper ...... an exploratory analysis of the possible relationships that form between various individuals and hunger when it is authorized to operate. The author explores the degrading nature that hunger can have through the character of Fetiukov. Aloyshka represents how some individuals turn their hearts heavenward in search of a benevolent God in times of adversity. Tsezar symbolizes the rich who manipulate the poor and malnourished. Finally, Shukhov is the face of the people who find strength in the most desperate times. Solzhenitsyn uses hunger as a greater metaphor for adversity. His characters symbolize not only the different reactions of human beings to empty stomachs, but also the ways in which individuals succumb or move through conflicts and struggles. A day in the life of Ivan Denisovich. Penguin, 1998.