The author analyzes the motif of the cross in Aleksandr Solženicyn's novelV kruge pervom and indicates the major aspects of the motif. She discusses the specific of these aspects and establishes the role of the motif with regard to the main characters of the novel (Nadja, Nerzhin and Innokentij). She also indicates the importance of the expression “to hit the four nails of memory” related to the motif of the cross.