I also thought that Shakespeare Behind Bars had some very interesting quotations, especially toward the beginning. The first quotation I wrote down that goes along with my discussion above is that "prison should make a difference." I think this an interesting way at looking at prison. However, it makes sense. We might as well try and help these people while they are in prison. I believe that warden also said something along the lines that we are "paying 42 dollars a day for something." If we are required to give that money anyway, why not put that money into making a change?! I also thought that it was interesting that the warden in Shakespeare Behind Bars described himself as a warden "who hates prison." I think that speaks volumes on the function of prisons in the America.
Anyway, back to the Shakespeare in Shakespeare Behind Bars. I think that Shakespeare was a perfect selection for these inmates, especially The Tempest. In fact, someone in the movie said that people back in Shakespeare’s time that performed the plays were thought of has thieves and rapists. This an interesting corellation between the two ideas. I also thought the emotion of the characters fir while with the setting in the prison. I think that these inmates were able to channel the emotion needed for this play by thinking about their own personal experiences. This type of acting can make one feel as though acting is a form a therapy. The inmates ended up becoming very dedicated to this project and were really good at what they do. By helping someone find a way to release their emotions and finding something they feel they are good at, can do wonders for the personality and make them feel as though they are worth something, they have something to live for. Aren't these the driving forces that cause people to change for the better? I think that good old Shakespeare had a huge impact on these inmates and rightly so.
5 comments:
Kate, I definitely agree with you that the inmates should not sit around idle in prison. These people should be trying to improve themselves and fix their situation and they can't do that alone. I also liked the first quote that you brought up. Usually, people think of a prison as a place where criminals go so that we, as a society, are protected from crime. However, if we don't have any sort of reform program in place while these people are there, then when they are released they will have not learned anything and will be more likely to go back to their old ways of life. Good rumination!
Great rumination. I agree with you that prison should be a time of change for the inmates, whether they are getting out of prison or not. Not all prisoners agree or believe they should change during their prison time, but everyone in the world can change for the better in some way. No one is perfect. If everyone in the world stopped and thought for a minute about something they could personally change, I'm sure everyone could come up with at least one thing.
I found your rumination very interesting and completely agree. Prisons should be places that can rehabilitate the people who want to change their lives so that they can ultimately become functional members of society. The goal for every prison should be to give the resources to people to allow them to change their perceptions, so if they do get out of prison, they never come back.
I agree, also. I feel as if the thought process behind a lot of prisions is punishment and solitude. If we implemeted more theraputic ideas into the prison system there would be more opportunity for the inmates to really want to change who they are and have a second chance to become a better person.
I think your rumination was really spot on. When it comes to prison life, i think that the way in which the prison system works is completely fair and just. If one chooses to do something wrong then they deserve to do the time and reflect on their wrong doings. Its really up to them whether or not they choose to turn jail life into a positive experience. The idea that Shakespeare can help transform their lives is really remarkable. Great post!
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