The prison shows how much of Aksionov’s life was wasted and the hardship he went through when he spent all of that time away from his family. The prison is what puts this entire story together, it presents a persons hardships and the trials they may go through. Aksionov was falsely accused and acquitted of murdering a merchant and was sent to prison in Siberia because of the decision. In a personal life the prison that Aksionov is held in could represent any of the struggle in someone's personal life whether that is something like depression, a close family member or friend passing away, or losing a job.
