There are two important conflicts which help the reader understand Ivan Aksionov’s character. He is condemned for a murder he had not committed. He is hurt more when his wife also suspects him. He submits himself totally to God and expecting mercy and forgiveness only from him. But when he faces another enquiry within the prison, he is forced to tell the truth about Makar. But instead of exposing the sinner Makar, he allows God to take over and keeps quiet. Remorseful Makar seeks his forgiveness in prison. There is a debate with his conscience “To forgive or not”. Then he tells Makar, “God will forgive you. May be I am hundred times worse than you. Both Makar and Aksionov come to an understanding that God’s forgiveness and mercy towards humans are incomprehensible. If Aksionov had exposed Makar and got him punished, Makar would never have felt guilty and asked for Ivan’s forgiveness. It is true “Forgiveness is the sweetest form of revenge.”
