At the crack of dawn, Ivan Denisovich Shukhov awakens in the bitterly cold barracks of a Soviet labor camp. Normally, he rises immediately to make the most of the ninety minutes of personal time he has before the start of the workday. This time can be utilized for performing tasks like sewing mittens, assisting with valenki(felt boots), or aiding in the mess hall. However, Shukhov is well aware of the dangers of lingering in the mess hall due to the temptation to consume leftover food from others' bowls.
As Shukhov lies in bed, he contemplates the possibility of his squad being assigned to the "Socialist Way of Life" settlement, a daunting prospect considering the harsh conditions and lack of warmth. He takes solace in the fact that a kind guard nicknamed "One-and-a-Half" Ivan will be on duty, minimizing the risk of getting into trouble. The camp is a place where survival often hinges on refraining from selfishness, cowardice, and betrayal, a lesson Shukhov has learned from the old prisoner Kuziomin.
On this particular morning, feeling unwell, Shukhov remains in bed for a bit longer than usual, wrapped in his coat and blanket. As he listens to his squad leader Tiurin and his deputy Pavlo wake up, he considers the prospect of a penalty due to his sickness. However, he eventually gets up and gets dressed, heading to the camp commandant's office with a sense of unease about the unjust punishment.
Shukhov is tasked with scrubbing the guardroom floor, a duty previously performed by a staff orderly who is now absent. He quickly realizes that his purpose is solely to clean the floor and not to serve a punishment. As he works, he angers the guards by excessively wetting the floor. Nonetheless, he manages to avoid their scorn and continues his tasks.
Afterward, Shukhov heads to the mess hall, relieved to find no long lines. Inside, he navigates the crowds to reach his friend Fetiukov, who has saved a portion of his meal for him. Mealtimes are precious moments of respite for the prisoners, allowing them to focus on their own needs for a brief time. Shukhov takes his time eating his frugal meal, appreciating even the simplest of foods.
Following breakfast, Shukhov avoids the attention of the guards as he prepares for roll call. He seeks medical assistance, fabricating an illness, hoping for a brief respite from the harsh routine. However, he soon realizesthat work is considered the best remedy for illness in the camp, and he abandons the hope of being exempted from labor.
As the squad heads out for the day's work, Shukhov reflects on the extreme cold, exacerbated by the official thermometer indicating a temperature of 17 degrees below zero. The camp's occupants shuffle outside reluctantly, bracing themselves for another grueling day.
The squad marches alongside Tiurin through the freezing cold, finding their place in the column. Shukhov realizes that Tiurin must have used salt pork as a bribe to prevent the squad from being assigned to the harsh "Socialist Way of Life" settlement. Tiurin informs the guards that one man, Panteleyev, is on sick leave for the day. The squad members suspect that Panteleyev has actually been called by the security personnel to inform on someone secretly.
Shukhov realizes that he needs to touch up his identification number, which could lead to punishment if too faded. He seeks out an elderly man, one of the three artists responsible for touching up numbers during roll call. After this, he approaches Tsezar, a fellow squad member, who is smoking a cigarette. Fetiukov, driven by greed, stares at Tsezar's mouth and demands a puff of the cigarette. Tsezar passes the cigarette butt to Shukhov, who begins to smoke it.
Amidst the preparations, a shout goes up, announcing that the guards will be conducting a thorough search of the prisoners. Lieutenant Volkovi, the intimidating security chief, oversees the search. The prisoners recall how Volkovi arrived at the camp in '49 and wielded a whip to maintain discipline. Generally, morning roll calls are less strict
since there is little contraband to be taken out of the camp. However, today's search is more thorough as they ensure no prisoners are wearing unauthorized clothing.
As the search progresses, Shukhov remains unconcerned because he is in proper attire. Tsezar, on the other hand, is discovered wearing a flannel vest, and Buinovsky is found with a vest or cummerbund. Buinovsky protests, citing Article Nine of the Criminal Code and claiming that the guards' actions are unbecoming of communists. As a result, Volkovi sentences Buinovsky to ten days in the guardhouse, beginning that evening to avoid wasting a day's labor. Shukhov experiences discomfort from opening his clothes for the search.
With the search completed, the prisoners are organized into ranks of five and are counted at multiple stations by officers. Shukhov feels his backache as they proceed, their eyes fixed on the ground, hands behind their backs. As they exit the camp and enter the steppe, Shukhov wraps his face in a rag to protect against the wind. The chief of the escort guard delivers the "morning prayer," emphasizing the consequences of stepping out of line.
Escorted by guards carrying machine guns, the column marches through the harsh cold. Shukhov's mind races as he contemplates his hidden bread, the dispensary, and the fate of his fellow prisoners. Hunger gnaws at him since he hasn't consumed his morning bread. The column passes various landmarks, and Shukhov thinks about his family, pondering the idea of writing a letter. However, he feels distant from his family and believes he has more in common with his fellow prisoners.
As the column arrives at the power plant site, the prisoners must wait until all the guards are in position. Shukhov's back continues to ache, and he glances at Tiurin, a good squad leader whom he has known since their time in Ust-Izhma. Although he intends to ask about the day's work, he decides to savor the fleeting moments of solitude instead. The gates finally open, and the prisoners begin to enter the site.
Shukhov finds a spot in the uncompleted machine shop to keep warm. He reflects on his hunger and consumes his bread, which he had kept close to his body for warmth. Shukhov observes his fellow prisoners as they find places to sit and cope with the cold. He ruminates on his experiences, regrets, and aspirations as they await the day's assignments. Eventually, they prepare for work, leaving behind the brief moments of respite that belonged to them alone.
The squad's work for the day involves completing the unfinished power station, which has been in this state for two months. Tiurin assigns different groups tasks such as fetching mortar mixing boxes and tools, shoveling snow, and lighting the stove at the power station. Shukhov and Kilgas are left, and Tiurin instructs them to find something to cover the large windows in the machine room. The room will be used for mixing mortar and staying warm during breaks. Kilgas, who receives food packages and maintains his sense of humor, suggests roofing felt as a cover. Shukhov retrieves a stolen trowel from his hidden spot and, along with Kilgas, gets a roll of roofing felt. They avoid being seen by guardsor trusties.
Back at the power station, everything needs to be carried by hand to the second floor as the mechanical lift is broken. The 104th squad brings life to the previously deserted building. Tiurin assigns tasks: Shukhov fixes the stovepipe, Kilgas repairs the mixing trough, and Senka prepares the laths for securing the felt. The squad works diligently, aware that when one slacks off, the entire squad suffers reduced rations. Shukhov is focused on fixing the stove, knowing that a skilled squad leader can manipulate work reports to keep his men alive and well.
Shukhov recalls that these work reports benefit the camp more than the prisoners, as the camp receives extra funds used for bonuses and bribes. The prisoners, on the other hand, only receive a modest increase in their bread ration. As Shukhov works on the stove, Pavlo supervises the melting of snow for water. Gopchik, a young Ukrainian, strings wire to support the stovepipe. Shukhov takes a break to warm his foot rags near the fire, avoiding melting his valenki.
Kilgas and Shukhov discuss their sentences and the realities of life in the camps. Shukhov has served eight years of a ten-year sentence, while Kilgas has a twenty-five-year term. Shukhov had been falsely accused of high treason for surrendering to the Germans, despite escaping and rejoining his own army shortly afterward. They share stories of their experiences in the camps, with Kilgas suggesting that Shukhov's previous camps were less harsh than the "special" camps where no one survives.
After the midday whistle blows, Shukhov and Gopchik save their
squad's place at the canteen, a board shanty that serves meals. The cook and sanitation worker in charge receive additional food as payment. Shukhov helps collect bowls for the squad's meal, cleverly swiping two extra bowls for his fellow prisoners. The squad members gather in the crowded canteen to eat their meal of oatmeal. Shukhov manages to get two bowls, carefully timing his actions to avoid suspicion. Pavlo then distributes the remaining bowls to the squad, ensuring everyone gets an extra bowl, while Shukhov worries about Fetiukov possibly getting an extra one as well.
Captain Buinovsky, despite his earlier display of authority, now remains seated in the canteen, lacking the energy to move. His survival strategy involves being an "inert, though wary" prisoner. Pavlo hands Buinovsky an extra bowl of oatmeal, which causes Fetiukov to become upset. Shukhov finishes his second bowl,scrapes it with his bread crust, and prepares to take Tsezar's bowl to him in the office.
Shukhov visits the office where Tsezar works, a warm building near the sentry house. Inside, the superintendent is in a meeting, discussing the prisoners chopping up lumber for firewood. Shukhov notices Shkuropatenko, an orderly, who could have caught him and Kilgas taking the roofing felt. Tsezar is engrossed in a debate with a prisoner identified as X 123, discussing filmmaker Eisenstein. Tsezar admires Eisenstein's genius, valuing "how" over "what" in art, while X 123 sees Eisenstein as supporting personal tyranny and mocking Russian intellectuals. Shukhov delivers Tsezar's bowl and leaves the office.
On his way back to the power station, Shukhov finds part of a steel hacksaw blade, stashing it for later use. Back at the station, the men gather around the stoves. Shukhov learns that Tiurin successfully manipulated the work report, which means they'll enjoy several days of good rations. Tiurin shares a story about his past, how he was discharged from the army due to his father's background as a kulak, only to discover later that his squadron commander and regimental commander were executed.
Shukhov, craving a smoke, seeks out tobacco from the Lett prisoners, and he enjoys a cigarette. He notices Fetiukov looking at him but chooses to share the cigarette with Senka. Tiurin begins organizing the
squad for work, and they start mixing mortar for block laying. Shukhov chips ice from the wall, while Kilgas, who receives food packages, takes his time. Shukhov is designated the fourth man for block laying, and Pavlo decides to make the mortar himself. The squad members pair up to work, with Shukhov and Senka forming one team, and Tiurin and Kilgas another.
Working in pairs prevents the mortar from freezing too quickly. Shukhov shows Senka how to chip ice and begins the process of building up the wall. He pays close attention to mortar consistency and block placement. The work has a rhythm, keeping them warm even in the cold wind. Buinovsky and Fetiukov initially carry the mortar, but Fetiukov's laziness frustrates Buinovsky, and he asks Tiurin for a new partner. Tiurin pairs Buinovsky with Alyosha, and Fetiukov is assigned to carry blocks.
While they work, a mechanic and a civilian superintendent inspect the broken lift. Der, a building foreman, arrives with Pavlo. Shukhov learned masonry skills in the camps, and he's now using them. Der and Tiurinexchange words, and Shukhov intervenes in the dispute about using too much mortar. Der backs down, and Shukhov continues his work.
As the day nears its end, Tiurin demands more mortar, and they complete a fifth row of blocks. Tiurin pushes the squad to continue despite the approaching sunset. Shukhov, cold and with aching back, wants to finish the fifth row before the end of the day. Alyosha assists, and when the workday's end is signaled, they are in the middle of building the row.
The clanging of the rail signals the end of the workday, but the squad still has leftover mortar that will freeze overnight. The men, including Shukhov, work hurriedly to use up the remaining mortar on the wall before it hardens. They notice other squads leaving, but Tiurin orders them to throw the remaining mortar into a hole and cover it with snow. Pavlo goes to collect tools while Shukhov, Kilgas, and Senka continue to work. Concerned about Tiurin being reprimanded for the late tools, Shukhov suggests Kilgas and Senka give their tools to Gopchik, who isn't on the list. Kilgas takes the tools to Gopchik, and the men start to be counted at the gates. Tiurin urges Shukhov to leave, but he insists on
finishing the task.
As Shukhov and Senka complete the work, they rush back to their squad. Shukhov hides his trowel under a stone and rejoins the squad formation, which is being counted. Shukhov looks at the moon and asks Buinovsky where the old moon goes. He recalls a village story that God crumbles the old moon to create new stars. The guards count the prisoners again, and someone is missing.
The prisoners grow frustrated with the repeated recounts, taking away their evening time. Tiurin's squad is not missing anyone, but a Moldavian in the 32nd squad is absent. Despite their own recent reluctance to stop working, the men become angry with the Moldavian for not finishing his task. The guards are causing delays, and the zeks are getting impatient.
The missing Moldavian is found in the repair shop where he had fallen asleep while working. He is physically reprimanded by his fellow prisoners. The guards order the prisoners to back up and form lines for another recount. The prisoners are upset and begin to boo the guards. The head of the escort threatens to make them lie in the snow, but eventually, they are countedand released through the gates.
The last prisoner's departure is confirmed before the sentries are allowed to leave their towers. The guards usually allow prisoners to begin walking while the sentries catch up, but this time, they're made to wait. Shukhov hears Buinovsky talking to another man about his experience on a British cruiser during the war. Eventually, the escort lets them go, but they know they're the last group. Despite the guards' urgency, they walk at a measured pace.
The column suddenly starts running upon spotting another column from the machine works. The prisoners want to avoid waiting while the guards search them. Shukhov's column takes the lead, and they anticipate reaching the camp first. The camp is illuminated as they approach. Guards demand they drop firewood, and some prisoners attempt to hide it within the column. The prisoners are ordered to unbutton their coats for inspection.
Shukhov offers to hold a place in line for Tsezar at the parcels office. Guards are about to search him when he remembers the hacksaw blade in his pocket. He hides it in his mittens, and a guard frisks him. Shukhov passes through and heads to the parcels office. Meanwhile, the Moldavian is taken out of the column and charged with escape attempt, and the prisoners are made to form fives for another recount.
After the recount, the prisoners are eager for their thin cabbage soup. Recounts are especially tough on prisoners, who anticipate the moment they can become free again. After passing through multiple gates, they can go where they please. The squad leaders remain to receive work assignments, while the others are free to go. Shukhov hurries to the parcels office while Tsezar checks the parcel list.
Shukhov hurries to the parcels office, where a line of fifteen men is waiting along the porch. Guards open parcels, breaking boxes and emptying glass containers. Prisoners have to bring bags to carry the contents back. Those who receive parcels have to share bits of them with many, including the guard. Shukhov had received parcels before but told his wife not to send more, prioritizing their kids' needs. Still, he wishes for a parcel whenever anyone in his barracks receives one.
While waiting, Shukhov hears there won't be a Sunday that week, as they usually only get three off during months with five Sundays. They are often assigned tasks even during their time off. The line moves slowly,with trusties pushing their way ahead. Tsezar arrives when there are ten men ahead of Shukhov. Shukhov interrupts their conversation to show him his place in line. He offers to bring Tsezar dinner from the mess hall, but Tsezar tells him he can eat it himself.
Shukhov rushes to the mess hall, checking his barracks on the way to ensure his bread isn't stolen. He enters the mess hall, where prisoners must enter in pairs. The Limper, an enormous, lame man, stands on the porch and prevents those trying to sneak in at the wrong time. Shukhov spots Pavlo and pushes through the crowd to join his squad. Inside, he finds a tray and secures it for himself. He takes a tray from another man, S 208, at the counter and gets soup ladled into ten bowls. He brings the stew back to the table, followed by Kilgas with the bread tray.
Shukhov helps distribute the stew to the squad and sits down to eat. The sacred moments of quietness come as he consumes the broth, feeling the warmth and thinking of their survival. He slowly eats his stew, noting that it's a "red letter day" with two helpings. He's not aware of much while eating, except for U 81, an old man from another squad who eats with proper posture, unlike most prisoners. Shukhov finishes, takes his bread for tomorrow, and heads to Barracks 7 to buy tobacco
from the Lett. In the past, he was paid for his work, but in this camp, he's not paid. Shukhov purchases two glasses of tobacco from the Lett.
Back in Barracks 9, Shukhov finds Tsezar with his package. He offers Tsezar his dinner bread and glances at the package's contents: sausage, condensed milk, smoked fish, salt pork, crackers, biscuits, lump sugar, butter, cigarettes, and pipe tobacco. Tsezar insists Shukhov keep the bread. Shukhov is content with his own bread, realizing he won't get everything from the package. Men receiving parcels have to share with various people, and Shukhov knows not to expect more than what's rightfully his.
Now, Shukhov has to hide the bit of hacksaw blade he's been whetting down with a pebble in the mornings and evenings for four days, intending to make a knife out of it. He conceals it in a partition between the bunks before the captain returns. Fetiukov enters, crying and beaten up over the bowls issue, andcrawls into his bunk. Shukhov feels pity, knowing Fetiukov won't survive his sentence. The captain returns with a pot of real tea, likely made with Tsezar's tea and hot water from the faucet. Tsezar asks Shukhov for his pen-knife, made by Shukhov himself, which he lends to Tsezar to cut his sausage. Shukhov then repays the borrowed tobacco to the Estonians, who roll and smoke it. Shukhov can hear Captain Buinovsky and Tsezar sharing food and tea below.
A young guard, known as "Snubnose," arrives and questions Tiurin about forms for extra garments. Tiurin stalls, but when Snubnose mentions Buinovsky, the captain speaks up. Buinovsky is sentenced to ten days in the cells, where conditions are harsh. After ten days, a man's health deteriorates, and after fifteen, most don't survive. Buinovsky leaves without his coat, but with a few cigarettes from Tsezar.
The barracks commander calls for evening count, and Shukhov goes out, holding his cigarette. He advises Tsezar on how to protect his package from theft. Shukhov gets into the second line of five for count. The count starts at 9:00 and usually ends around 10:00 due to recounts. After the count, they rush back inside, now that there's a drying shed. Shukhov is one of the first back, puts his boots on the stove to dry, and sits on Tsezar's bunk. Tsezar comes back and thanks Shukhov. He prepares to make his bed, feeling he's had a good day.
Across from him, Alyosha reads his Bible and suggests praying. Shukhov compares prayer to submitting appeals that often go ignored. Alyosha believes in prayer, but Shukhov is skeptical, sharing stories of a wealthy priest and his own beliefs. Alyosha believes prayer is for one's soul, not for freedom. Shukhov doesn't know if he wants freedom anymore, as freedom for him is returning home. Alyosha's happiness puzzles him.
Guards call them for a second count. Tsezar gives Shukhov a bundle of food to hide, and Shukhov joins the others for the count. He manages to be eighteenth and returns to his bunk to eat the sausage and biscuits, saving some for the morning. Shukhov is content with his luck that day, calling it "almost a happy day." He reflects that he has "three thousand six hundred and fifty-three days like that in his stretch The extra three days were for leap years."