"Life is a tragedy full of joy." The vision put forward by Bernard Malamud, although somewhat morbid, is reflected in his life's work. To express the futility of life in Russia, Malamud creates a setting that seems entirely distant from this century. Through the use of a foreign setting and different time periods, it reinforces the confusion and anguish of the protagonist, Yakov Bok. The separation he creates between the present and the past allows Malamud to present a series of events that, if set in a more current time or place, would be incomprehensible to the reader. By setting his story in early 20th-century Russia, Malamud portrays a social and political reality without struggling with his readers' disbelief. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Russia's harsh climate and the conditions of his confinement continually test Yakov's tenacity and will to survive. This natural conflict reinforces the central struggle between Yakov and the Russian legal system. During his captivity, Yakov must face freezing cold and extreme heat. “The time was now summer, when the hot cell stank heavily and the walls sweated” (215). Against this heat he is given little protection and no ventilation; even cleanliness becomes impossible to maintain. Winter offers no relief: the "bitter cold" discourages Yakov as much as the harsh summer (205). Although a small fire is lit twice a day, it can hardly compete with "the wind seeping through the broken glass" that gnaws at Yakov's "head and hands" (205). All this Yakov must endure without the comfort of a companion to share his difficulties with. His solitary confinement, complete with chains, is as harsh as the natural forces of the time he is battling with. Yakov is "struck to be so absolutely alone" and seeks friendship even with his guards (215). Even beyond the environment of his isolation, Yakov must fight for his survival in an environment where poisoning is practiced and acceptable. "Poison! My God, they're poisoning me!" (180). This reality, when exacerbated by the broader problem of inhuman confinement standards and the harsh conditions of the Russian climate, creates an extremely harsh environment that Yakov must conquer. Although Russia is a well-known country, the customs and legal system are relative mysteries to many readers of the novel. This mystery adds to the gripping confusion of the novel and highlights the point of view that Yakov must also share. Initially, Yakov is unaware of the reason for his incarceration, claiming that his alleged crime is "confusion in my mind" (73). Because the reader knows nothing more than the prisoner, he is dragged through the trials of uncertainty just as Yakov is. In addition to amplifying the insecurity of Yakov's situation, various customs are touched upon to add atmosphere to the novel. Small examples (such as when Shmuel "sucked tea with sugar") are clearly Russian (9). Other traditions, particularly of religious belief, allow Malamud to maintain the thread of Judaism throughout the novel. Although Yakov is not a practicing Jew, phylacteries, prayer shawls, and even unleavened bread become crucial aspects of his struggle for freedom. The confusion of foreign cultural and religious traditions is continually accentuated by the Russian legal system, a mystery even to those who actively participate in it. Yakov is never informed of the status of his case and is instead forced to ask himself "what will happen to me now?" (96). However, since Russia does not have the systems.