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Orange Is the New Black
A Prisoner's Identity - Thread 4
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While assimilating into her undesirable environment Piper conveyed prison not just a punishment for her, but a lesson. "But I was learning something everyday" (126). I feel as though while serving her time Piper was able to come to terms with who she really is. Through her use of contrasting diction Piper shows her new perspective on prison and the people in it. While describing the average inmate she uses the phrases "poorly educated", "low wages", "involvement in drug trade", "limited resources for defense" and "lousy court-appointed attorney" which completely contrast her "private attorney" and "country club suit" (138). Anyone have anything to add?
I agree with Anna on the fact that it did take time, but Piper eventually came to accepting herself for who she is. Being in this situation, it took her a while to submerge herself into the state of incarceration. When she first arrives at the prison she professes being uncomfortable and stand-offish by stating things such as "I realized that my attire made it glaringly obvious that i was new" (pg.41). As the weeks go by she eases into her surroundings which is clearly shown by stating "By now I felt like I was pretty firmly established in the Camp's social ecology. I didn't mess with other people.. and hence other people treated me with respect" (pg.142). Piper was truly shaped by this experience, learning more about herself everyday and taking a different perspective life. In the end she says, "What i discovered was that i am emphatically not alone" (pg.292). This was one of the most valuable and impactful things she had learned through prison because the people she had the chance to meet and the happenings in which she witnessed, truly shaped who she has become and is something she will never forget.
I think Anna and Emma nailed it when describing Pipers' identify shift once being in prison and as Emma describes, it was a learning experience. Piper does not stand alone in her opinion. On the day her "neighbor" Vanessa was released, Piper and her fellow inmates threw a surprise goodbye party in any empty classroom. Before Vanessa exits, she states "I had to come here to become a real woman" (202). Not only does this demonstrate that prison is like a "lesson learned" as Piper believes, but the scene also touches on the theme of family. Throughout the novel, Piper feels more attachment for these girls, and starts to look at them more as sisters, then just prisoners.
To add onto the theme of family, I found more evidence. As another one of Piper's close friends was released, Piper describes how difficult it was to say goodbye. "I couldn't say anything else, and I started to cry. And then she was gone" (210). This short sentence cuts off as quickly as "Yoga Janet" left, and the reader feel sympathy for Piper. Also, Piper's word choice when talking to the fellow prisoner's shows how she cherishes them. She calls "Little Janet" her "baby," and "sweetie" (234). Piper is deeply affected when Little Janet is released, and this further proves that Piper thinks of her as a sister.
Most of these posts are plot summary. The only theme we have discussed, so far, is personal development (maturity). Oh, and the importance of family/friends (support systems). Both of these, however, do not delve very deep. What else was Piper trying to show with this book - what was her purpose? Was it to show that she was rehabilitated? Or... (hint- the answer is yes) is there a grander goal???? Look for contrast within the book to help guide your answer.
There's certainly more to look at than just the book. Piper's intention's certainly go deeper than simply showing she was rehabilitated. So I did some researching, and at a Q&A with Piper Kerman in Asheville, she was asked what impact she had hoped her book would have. Kerman responded with by saying, "a different idea about who is in prison and why, and what life in prison is really like..." Kerman's intentions for the book were to give a perspective as to the truth about prisons, prison life, and why it is that people are actually there. "Despite the groove that I had settled into, I still had flashes of irritation with my fellow prisoner, which troubled me." (185). Kerman is describing how her relationship with the prison became almost routine to a point where she could handle it. However, the sense of realness helps convey her intention of providing a truthful, real outlook on prison life. As her identity grows, she becomes more comfortable, and provides an outlook on what it is like to live in a prison.
In addition to what Luke said, I think another purpose of Kerman's book was to demonstrate that everyone has their own story. I know most people, myself included, look at the faces of those who are in prison with judgemental eyes. This book resonates well with us in that with Piper's imagery, we can actually imagine ourself in her position (as said in an earlier thread), therefore no longer completely shaming those who have committed crimes. In the beginning, Piper's lawyer's final words to her were "Don't make any friends" (page 31). As the story reaches conclusion, however, Piper realizes how much she needed her fellow inmates to lean on. "However, most of all, I realized that I was not alone in the world because of the women I lived with for over a year, who gave me a dawning recognition of what I shared with them" (page 292). Furthermore, Piper feels such a connection with this girls because of their shared stories, understanding, and different views on the world that have tremendously impacted her life.
I loved both your opinions on the books purpose. I personally think a huge part of the theme is responsibility. I have touched upon this a few times but Piper grew as a person and character as the book developed which could be seen in her appeal to pathos. "The women I met in Danbury helped me to confront the things I had done wrong, as well as the wrong things I had done" (279). This well balanced sentenced brings a sense of peace within the reader after being brought along a long journey with Piper.
As Anna said, responsibility is a key theme to the story. Towards the end of the book, regarding how she'd soon be leaving prison, Piper states, "I was a strong, good person who could take responsibility for the path I had chosen for myself, and all the consequences that accompanied that choice." (280) After once being a rookie to prison life who had no understanding of why she must be in the position she was in, Piper became aware of the fact she needed to be in charge of her decisions, as well as accepting of the outcomes of these choices.
As Val eloquently added, "'Standing there naked in the warden's bathroom, I could see that prison had changed me. Most of the accumulated varnish of the five unhappy years spent on pretrial was gone. Except for a decade's worth of crinkly smile lines around my eyes, I resembled the girl who had jumped off that waterfall more closely than I had in years." (192).' this is really a turning point for Piper and she really reevaluates the person she's become and how far she has strayed from her roots."
How does Piper's rhetoric reflect her perspective of her identity as a now-prisoner? Are there any telling pieces of evidence, (i.e. quotes, diction, rhetorical appeals), that exemplify this change in characterization? Also- any thoughts on how Piper's growing identity ties into the theme of incarceration?
Be analytical and support your argument with evidence!