How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Paragraph). We used H.T. Willetts's translation.
Quote #10
What kept body and soul together in these men was a mystery. Canvas belts were drawn tight around empty bellies. The frost was crackling merrily. Not a warm spot, nor a spark of fire anywhere. All the same - Gang 104 had arrived, and life was beginning all over again. (313)
Shukhov is unusually metaphysical here as he considers how life itself has the power to go on in the camps. Shukhov even uses metaphorical language here as well, when he speaks of a "spark of fire," which can act a symbol for life.