Senka Character Analysis in One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich

A deaf prisoner and member of gang 104. Because of his hearing impairment, Senka is largely isolated from the group and doesn't communicate much. What the gang does know of his story, his adventures in battle, escapes from the Nazi’s and the brutality he has experienced at the hands of his captors inspires a sense of intrigue from the other gang members. Senka’s hearing impairment and isolation within the group depicts the way in which Zeks struggle to know each other on a deep interpersonal level. Even though other prisoners would like to know more about him, they are unable to learn about him because of his impairment.

Senka Character Timeline in One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich

The timeline below shows where the character Senka appears in One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Identity, Principles, and Dignity Theme Icon

Senka, who is deaf, speaks up, thinking the men are talking about Buynovsky’s bad luck that... (full context)

Pavlo tells Shukhov, Kildigs, and Senka to take a break before dinner. The men warm their hands beside the stove, but... (full context)

Senka, though he is deaf, catches wind that the men are talking about escape and reveals... (full context)

...he had already seen Fetyukov conniving during dinner, so he decides to give some to Senka instead. (full context)

...gang. Tyurin steps up to Der, and Pavlo backs him up, shovel in hand. Then Senka steps up beside Pavlo, placing his hands on his hips. Tyurin tells Der his time... (full context)

...the morning. Pavlo begins laying bricks to finish off the freshly mixed mortar. Shukhov pushes Senka out of the way to lay the corner himself because he knows haste leads to... (full context)

...throw the rest of the mortar over the wall and turn in their tools. Kildigs, Senka, and Shukhov continue using the rest of the mortar. Shukhov tells Kildigs to bring the... (full context)

...of his more official title. Tyurin leaves, and Shukhov is left at the site with Senka. They continue laying bricks, even though Tyurin had told them to throw the rest of... (full context)

Eventually Senka bails, leaving Shukhov alone at the power station. Shukhov runs to the back of the... (full context)

Shukhov darts toward the count and meets Senka, who had stopped to wait. Senka would rather wait for Shukhov and share the punishment... (full context)