Camus’ Outsider and Solzhenitsyn’s One Day Essay Example

wrongdoing.

Solzhenitsyn portrays the severity of punishment for seemingly insignificant offenses in the labor camp through the characters of Shukhov and Buynovsky. Despite not causing harm to anyone, Shukhov's sickness and Buynovsky's attempt to stay warm are treated as major violations of the law and result in severe punishment, even as they struggle to survive the bitterly cold conditions. This disproportionate punishment appears to be an exercise of power by Soviet officials and highlights the callous treatment of prisoners. Solzhenitsyn employs vivid imagery to depict the cruel sentencing in the labor camp and convey the physical manifestation of the coldness displayed by camp managers towards those imprisoned.

In the harshest climates, body searches become physically torturous and humiliating for inmates, especially when they are made to wear flimsy prison clothes during the biting Siberian winter. The prisoners' constant suffering is a part of their sentence, and Shukhov not only has to avoid punishment from the camp's enforcers but also protect himself from the cold. Solzhenitsyn repeatedly emphasizes the bitter cold, highlighting that Shukhov is not only a political prisoner but also a prisoner of nature. Escaping from the camp is never considered due to the obvious risk of death resulting from the intense weather.

According to Solzhenitsyn (58), prisoners attempted to escape by crossing through the snowdrifts, but their efforts were unsuccessful. The harsh conditions of the camp and the weather create a feeling that Shukhov and his fellow prisoners are relentlessly oppressed by both nature and people, emphasizing the suffering of humanity's plight. Despite the inhospitable world, humans must continue to live day by day. However, in The Outsider, Meursault is tormented not by

frigid temperatures but scorching heat.

The oppressive heat bestowed upon him by nature is a constant struggle, leaving him feeling trapped with no escape. Despite feeling indifferent outwardly, this could be attributed to being unable to act sensibly in the heat. Unlike Shukhov, Meursault does not suffer societal captivity for the majority of the novel. His life appears devoid of social consequences as punishment is not enforced by society.

Meursault is faced with severe consequences from society after unintentionally causing the death of an Arab. He is not only convicted for the murder but also for his general indifference towards life, leading society to label him as a "monster" and "a danger to society". Despite this, Meursault's killing of the Arab becomes overshadowed by his lack of concern towards his mother's passing. It ultimately becomes evident that he is being unjustly punished merely because he differs from others. In their respective novels, both Meursault and Shukhov require faith to overcome these unfair judgments imposed upon them along with their fellow inmates.

Despite not discussing religion for most of the novel, Shukhov ultimately learns that having faith in a better tomorrow can help one survive in the oppressive camp system. In his final conversation with Alyoshka, a faithful Baptist, Shukhov realizes the strength that religious faith can offer in difficult circumstances. Alyoshka's sense of inner peace throughout the novel is similar to the sense of peace Shukhov experiences at the end, suggesting that religion can provide comfort in times of adversity. Conversely, Meursault openly rejected religion and declared it irrelevant to his life (Camus 68).

Despite Meursault's disbelief in faith, he still possesses internal faith. He believes in

his ability to maximize each day and make the most of what he has. This slight modicum of faith prevents Meursault from falling into a trap of despair and losing his self-respect. Both Meursault and Shukov maintain their human dignity despite facing various challenges.

Shukhov and Meursault both demonstrate the importance of preserving one's dignity in difficult circumstances. Shukhov removes his hat before eating, even in the coldest weather, to maintain a sense of civilized behavior. Meursault, despite being unfairly punished for his indifference, accepts his fate with collected composure, achieving an unexpected level of dignity. These examples raise questions about the moral right to punish others when we ourselves are imperfect. Ultimately, society punishes because it sees no other option, but these actions may call into question what we hope to accomplish through punishment.

Establishing law and order is crucial for ensuring citizen's peace and harmony within a precinct. However, it is possible to discipline criminals without resorting to unjust punishments. The great Roman philosopher, Marcus Tullius Cicera, once stated that punishments should not exceed guilt and that some may get punished for offenses that others are not even indicted for. Hence, punishments should be implemented only when the offender is proven guilty and in proportion to the crime committed. It is important to carefully enforce punishments while deeply reflecting on human dignity because an unjust punishment is never forgotten, as Penelope Fitzgerald said.