the symbols used in the story are:

1. house and shops- it symbolizes Aksionov's family and material possessions
2. nightmare-it symbolizes a bad omen.
3. blood-stained knife- it indicates Aksionov's lack of control over his fate.
4. the prison- Aksionov's pain and subsequent mystical transformation are symbolized by the prison.
5. the book(the lives of the saints)- gives an impression of religiosity.

Aksionov used to drink a lot, was riotous, and was involved in illegal activities before his marriage

1) That old man is Aksionov.

2) The speaker is asking about the truth of digging an escape hole .

3) The speaker means the prison's wall.