How does the text conform to, or deviate from, the conventions of a particular genre, and for what purpose Free Essay Example, 1000 words

Shukhov is sentenced to a life of imprisonment and cruel punishment in this Soviet gulag system for acts of espionage, though he is innocent. In like manner, Alyoshka is a devout Baptist, full of faith but is imprisoned, all the same. The heartlessness of Stalinism in this camp is attested by: scarcity of food and food rationing and the compelling of prisoners to work in freezing temperature, as long as this temperature does not fall below -42oC. Overall, there is lucidity in observing that Solzhenitsyn’s work is not dedicated to withstanding the highhandedness of Stalinism, but to reveal to the world, the inhuman excesses of Stalinism. The import of this is that One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich is different from other film genres since it surpasses the common role of entertainment to take on a moral cause (Solzhenitsyn, 1988, 125). The themes and motifs that Solzhenitsyn’s work advances presents a point of conformance with other works of art. Some of the themes that Solzhenitsyn presents for discussion include the struggle for human dignity (the depiction of harsh life in the prison camp invites this), the immorality of unjust punishment (the inhuman condemnation to a harsh life on false basis underscores this), and the need for faith (as is presented by the resilient nature of the devout Alyoshka). We will write a custom essay sample on How does the text conform to, or deviate from, the conventions of a particular genre, and for what purpose or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now In the 1950s, movies, stories and other works of art were still conveying positive social values and virtues. Other stories had obviously been produced that time, to underscore these themes. The importance of these themes is that they shape the story’s’ plotline and Solzhenitsyn’s principal objectives for writing this story. Had these themes not been factored, Solzhenitsyn could have come up with a totally different story and plotline. Some of the literary devices that Solzhenitsyn uses also help him conform to the conventions of a particular genre, and to show the time when the novel was set. Among these literary devices there is symbolism that plays an important role in the story. Shukhov’s spoon, which he strives to keep at all cost, symbolizes his personality or individuality. Tsezar’s parcel that contains fine food stands for the pleasure of the world. Bread represents the novel’s spiritual and physical substance. Before and after this story, many literary works that use symbolism abound. In â€Å"One Day in Life of Ivan Denisovich† there are many symbols applied by the author to express the ideas he wanted to share with readers. Conclusion The foregoing clearly shows that Solzhenitsyn uses stylistic devices and other elements of literary works such as themes and motif to both distinguish his work from and to identify his work with others.