How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Paragraph). We used H.T. Willetts's translation.
Quote #10
But even after eight years on general duties he was no scrounger, and as time went by, he was more and more determined not to be. (1066)
This one sentence may be at the very heart of Shukhov's character. His refusal to become a "scrounger" really sums up who he is as a person.
Quote #11
"I'm quite ready to believe in God. But I just don't believe in heaven or hell. Why do you think everybody deserves either heaven or hell? What sort of idiots do you take us for? That's what I don't like." (1195)
We get practically no philosophical statements from Shukhov in the book; his actions generally do more to reveal his beliefs. It's really interesting that Shukhov doesn't think men deserve either heaven or hell. It would stand to reason that he'd want the prison guards to go to hell, at least. But his religious beliefs reveal the impact of camp life on him: life in the camp is futile, things happen regardless, and everyone is morally compromised to some degree.