Machinal By Sophie Treadwell - 1891 Words

Sophie Treadwell’s Machinal is a strangely riveting play so filled with unlikable characters that it makes one want to scream and throttle which ever one is closest to hand without prejudice as to which persona it might be as they are all equally detestable in their own way. Unfortunately, the infuriating characters are exactly what make the play so fascinating. Each of the characters in the play, originally intended to display that life is an inescapable machine, exhibits many disturbing psychological qualities, and the main character suffers a slew of near textbook psychological misfortune. Whether Sophie Treadwell created her play with this facet intentionally or not is unknown, but the examples are so perfect it is difficult to think†¦show more content†¦Helen would have also been more prone to abuse, and other effects of low self-esteem. Some of the narcissistic characteristics Helen’s mother exhibits are her utter disregard for everything Helen says, spe aking over her, her attention only engaged once benefits to her are involved, for instance: â€Å"Vice president! His income must be– does he know you’ve got a mother to support?† (Treadwell 17), and immediate overreaction to any criticism. Many children with narcissistic parents may have grown up in both neglectful and verbally abusive situations, but Helen’s situation would have been compounded beyond that as she seems to have grown up with only her mother as a parental figure. Helen’s father was revealed in the second act as, seemingly, long dead, leaving Helen alone to a single, powerful, influence. The Second character who exhibits the next most pressing issue is Helen’s husband, Mr. J, who proves himself to be a sexual predator. Helen’s physical repulsion such as when the Telephone Girl asks her â€Å"Why’d you flinch, kid?† (Treadwell 10) and her reactions to Mr. J touching her should really have been plenty of no tice for him to stop. In the beginning, Mr. J has both status and rank, as her boss, over Helen, and this puts the relationship on shaky and inappropriate grounds due to Mr. J’s power over her. That he constantly touches her, treats her differently, and makes her feel indebted toShow MoreRelatedMy Research Project Is On Machinal By Sophie Treadwell1575 Words   |  7 PagesMy research project is on Machinal by Sophie Treadwell. I will be focusing on the struggles that the Young Woman faces in the play, and how her behavior relates to mental illnesses. My approach is to create a scenario where half of the play seems like it is not real. I want to make the audience really think about what is real and what is being made up in the Young Woman’s mind. I will bring more awareness to the struggles that people with mental illness have to deal with to the theatre stage.Read MoreEarly 20th Century Dehumanization Through Theatrical Plays And Cinema2031 Words   |  9 Pagesnew, perhaps alien world. Whether it be through Sophie Treadwell’s 1928 play Machinal, Eugene O’Neill’s 1922 play The Hairy Ape, or Charlie Chaplin’s 1936 movie Modern Times, the thoughts of the dehumanization of the time cannot be denied. Through the theatrical plays and cinema of the time, authors of the 20th century believe that as technology has advanced, humanity has devolved into perhaps nonhuman states. Sophie Treadwell’s 1928 play Machinal puts this concept of dehumanization in the earlyRead MoreInto The Mind Of Machinal1800 Words   |  8 PagesInto The Mind of Machinal Sophie Treadwell’s Machinal is a strangely riveting play so filled with unlikable characters that it makes one want to scream and throttle whichever character is closest at hand, without prejudice as to which persona it might be, as they are all equally detestable in their own way. Unfortunately, the infuriating characters are exactly what make the play so fascinating. Each of the characters in the play, originally intended to display that life is an inescapable machineRead MoreSophie Treadwell’S Machinal Is A Strangely Riveting Play1796 Words   |  8 PagesSophie Treadwell’s Machinal is a strangely riveting play so filled with unlikable characters that it makes one want to scream and throttle whichever character is closest at hand, without prejudice as to which persona it might be, as they are all equally detestable in their own way. Unfortunately, the infuriating characters are exactly what make the play so fascinating. Each of the characters in the play, originally intended to display that life is an inescapable machine, exhibit many disturbing

Marxist Criticism Free Essays

Marxist criticism is a type of criticism in which literary works are viewed as the product of work and whose practitioners emphasize the role of class and ideology as they reflect, propagate, and even challenge the prevailing social order. Rather than viewing texts as repositories for hidden meanings, Marxist critics view texts as material products to be understood in broadly historical terms. In short, literary works are viewed as a product of work (and hence of the realm of production and consumption we call economics). We will write a custom essay sample on Marxist Criticism or any similar topic only for you Order Now INTRODUCTION Based on the socialist and dialectical theories of Karl Marx, Marxist criticism views literary works as reflections of the social institutions out of which they are born. According to Marxists, even literature itself is a social institution and has a specific ideological function, based on the background and ideology of the author. In essence, Marxists believe that a work of literature is not a result of divine inspiration or pure artistic endeavor, but that it arises out of the economic and ideological circumstances surrounding its creation. For Marxist critics, works of literature often mirror the creator’s own place in society, and they interpret most texts in relation to their relevance regarding issues of class struggle as depicted in a work of fiction. Although Marx did not write extensively on literature and its place in society, he did detail the relationship between economic determinism and the social superstructure in various texts, including Zur Kritik der Politischen Okonomie (1859), where he stated: â€Å"The mode of production of material life determines altogether the social, political, and intellectual life process. It is not the consciousness of men that determines their being, but on the contrary their social being, that determines their consciousness. † Thus, although he did not expound in detail on the connections between literature and society, it is agreed among most scholars that Marx did view the relationship between literary activity and the economic center of society as an interactive process Marxism says that people in the world are organized into different groups or classes based on their relationship to how things are made. Most people are called â€Å"workers† because they work in factories or offices or farms for money. They belong to the â€Å"working class† (or â€Å"proletariat†). Another group, who are not as big as the working class are â€Å"capitalists†, because they own the factories, land and buildings that the workers have to work in and also own all of the tools the workers have to use. Marx calls Capitalists the â€Å"Ruling Class† because they live off of the work of all the workers. He also says that the Capitalists own the government, army and courts. In Marxist views, Capital is the â€Å"means of production† and money which the Capitalist can invest in different places of business so that they can â€Å"profit† or gain more Capital. How to cite Marxist Criticism, Papers Marxist Criticism Free Essays

jane eyre Essay Summary Example For Students

jane eyre Essay Summary Title: Jane EyreAuthor: Charlotte BronteGenre: fictional novelSetting: 19th century England, Yorkshire MoorsPoint of View: first personNarrator: Jane Eyre telling it as an adult flashing back to her childhoodCHARACTERS:Jane Eyre:Jane is the orphaned daughter of a poor parson and his disinherited wife. She livesat Gateshead Hall in the care of her aunt, Sarah Gibson Reed. She is lonely and depressedhere because she is abused emotionally and physically. She later enrolls at Lowood, aboarding school for poor, orphaned girls. There, Jane distinguishes herself in her classesand finds love and compassion through the kindness of Ms. Temple and Helen. Sheeventually takes a position as a governess to a little French girl, Adele Varens, the ward ofEdward Rochester, the master of Thornfield Hall. Jane and Rochester develop a mutualadmiration and love for each other. Their marriage plans are interrupted, however, andJane flees to Thornfield Hall. In the intervening years separation before their eventualmarriage, she establishes her independence. The two finally find happiness together andproduce a son.John Reed:The 14 year old who bullies Jane and is spoiled by his mother. He is violent andabusive and is condescending in his treatment in his treatment to Jane. Later in life, hereduces his mother to poverty and dispair by leading a dissipated life. At the age of 23, hedies and is rumored to have killed himselfEliza ReedThe older daughter of the Reed family. She is frugal to the point of being greedy. She keeps chickens, hoards her eggs and chicken money, and lends it to he mother at ahigh interest rate. When her mother lies on her deathbed, she cold-heartedly ignores herand devotes herself to religion. After Mrs. Reeds death she becomes a nun at a conventin Lisle, France, and eventually rises to a position of Mother Superior, leaving her fortuneto the nunnery. Georgiana:The vain, self-indulgent beauty of the Reed family. She is acrid and selfish (wontlet Jane play with her toys). She accuses Eliza for ruining her plans to marry Lord ErwinVere. She later goes to London and marries a wealthy man. Aunt Sarah Reed:The mean-spirited widow of Jane Eyres uncle who torments Jane at everyopportunity. She is hypocritical and feigns to Janes benefactress. Despite Janes attemptto make up for the past, Mrs. Reed rejects Janes reconciliation and dies alone, andunloved. Bessie Lee:The servant at Gateshead Hall who consoles Jane with treats from the kitchen,Gullivers Travels, and sang her songs when she was excluded from the family festivities,and visits Jane at Lowood. Bessie later marries Robert Leaven, the coachman, has 3children, and continues working for the Reed family. Miss Abbot:The servant at Gateshead Hall who treated Jane condescendingly and referred toher as a toad. Mr. Lloyd:The apothecary who treats Jane at Gateshead. He perceives Janes unhappinessand thinks of solutions to her problem: live with her fathers poor relatives or go toboarding school. Mr. Brocklehurst:The head of Lowood School who interviews Jane. His grim, hypocriticalevaluation of Janes shortcomings follows her to Lowood where he publicly labels her aliar. He is austere and preaches fire and brimstone; however, his wife and daughters areluxuriously dressed. Helen Burns:The 14 year old motherless child from Northumberland. She befriends Jane atLowood and offers encouragement by word and example as the two friends endure thehardships of school life. She is punished by Ms. Scatcherd to wear dirty clothes andslattern across her forehead. On her deathbed, she anticipates contentment with God anda reunion with Jane in heaven. .u1752590780b90d890e111970614988ce , .u1752590780b90d890e111970614988ce .postImageUrl , .u1752590780b90d890e111970614988ce .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u1752590780b90d890e111970614988ce , .u1752590780b90d890e111970614988ce:hover , .u1752590780b90d890e111970614988ce:visited , .u1752590780b90d890e111970614988ce:active { border:0!important; } .u1752590780b90d890e111970614988ce .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u1752590780b90d890e111970614988ce { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u1752590780b90d890e111970614988ce:active , .u1752590780b90d890e111970614988ce:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u1752590780b90d890e111970614988ce .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u1752590780b90d890e111970614988ce .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u1752590780b90d890e111970614988ce .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u1752590780b90d890e111970614988ce .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u1752590780b90d890e111970614988ce:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u1752590780b90d890e111970614988ce .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u1752590780b90d890e111970614988ce .u1752590780b90d890e111970614988ce-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u1752590780b90d890e111970614988ce:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Resplendent Rivendel EssayMaria Temple:The superintendent and music teacher at Lowood. She positively influences Janeby showing her kindness and sympathy, and how to nurse her animosity. She later marriesRev. Mr. Nasmyth. Edward Fairfax Rochester:After Rowland, Edwards brother, receives the entire Rochester family inheritance,Edward is tricked into marrying an insane woman whom he barely knows. His love forJane rekindles love, although his wife is secretly locked up in a third story room ofThornfield. Following the death of his wife, the loss of his home to a terrible fire,blindness, and the amputation of his left hand, he is reunited with Jane at Ferndean,marries her, and recovers enough vision in one eye to see their son. Blanche Ingram:The shallow daughter of Lady Ingram who uses her glamour to lure Rochestertoward a marriage proposal. However, her enthusiasm for Edward fades when hediscloses that his fortune is not as large as he had thought. Celine Varens:The French mistress of Mr. Rochester. Edward, however, broke of their affairafter overhearing her ridicule him to another man. Adele Varens:The child of Celine whom Edward refuses to claim as his own daughter, but raisesher as his ward at Thornfield anyway. Her association with Jane Eyre, her governessesand friend, brings happiness to both of them. Bertha Antoinette Mason Rochester:The daughter of a West Indies planter who conceal her retardation and madnesscharacteristic of her mothers side of the family and marries Edward, a son of her fathersbusiness partner. After 4 years, Edward takes her to Thornfield and locks her in a roomunder the care of Grace Poole. She cleverly escapes from her keeper at intervals andcauses mischief. Aware that Rochester plans to marry Jane, Bertha ignites Janes bed,then leaps from the roof to her death. Richard Mason:A merchant and Bertha Masons brother. He visits Thornfield and suffers bitingsand stabbing from his sister. After learning of Janes engagement, he makes a second visitto Thornfield and halts the wedding by announcing Edwards intention to commit bigamy. Grace Poole:A trustworthy employee at Thornfield Hall whose position remains a mystery untilRochester reveals the existence of his wife. Graces fondness of gin gives Berthaoccasional opportunities to wander around Thornfield and harm its residents. St. John Rivers:The overly zealous minister of the parish at Morton He serves as the head of hisfamily after his fathers death and saves Jane from starvation. He attempts to repress hispassion for Rosamond Oliver, prepare himself for the mission fields of India, and forceJane to marry him, and serve as his missionary assistant. Jane refuses and St. John remains unmarried. John Eyre:Janes uncle; her fathers brother. He is a self-made man who attempts to locatehis niece, Jane, in order to leave her his fortune after his quarrel with St. Johns fathermakes it impossible foe him to leave his money to the Rivers children. THEMESPreternatural Motif: Things cant be explained according to nature or natural event. * the story that Bessie told of Gytrassh* The ghost of Mr. Reed in the red room* The recurring dream that Jane has of an infant wailing, laughing. This is supposed to bea bad omen as Jane recalls Bessies dream which results in the death of Bessies sister. After Janes dream, she hears of John Reeds death. * Jane has a dream of her mother who tells her to flee temptation She leaves beforedawn with 20 shillings. She then takes a coach to Whitcross. That was the farthest hermoney could take her. Realism: In literature it is a manner of presentation that stresses an accurate even perhapsfactual presentation Of subjetal manner. The emphasis is on the rational.It depictsaccurately the human condition. It also presents ills of society. Ex: treatment in schools-Brontes sister died because of thisIlls of Society:* prejudice against different classesThis is revealed in the servants and the Reeds condescending treatment of Jane. She is considered inferior since she is poor. This is revealed also when the apothecary iscalled in instead of a doctor when Jane is sickThe upper and lower class do not speak to each other. Mr. Rochester tells Jane tosit quietly and speak only when spoken to. .ufdc330b47f66a948da817d38c65a53fa , .ufdc330b47f66a948da817d38c65a53fa .postImageUrl , .ufdc330b47f66a948da817d38c65a53fa .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ufdc330b47f66a948da817d38c65a53fa , .ufdc330b47f66a948da817d38c65a53fa:hover , .ufdc330b47f66a948da817d38c65a53fa:visited , .ufdc330b47f66a948da817d38c65a53fa:active { border:0!important; } .ufdc330b47f66a948da817d38c65a53fa .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ufdc330b47f66a948da817d38c65a53fa { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ufdc330b47f66a948da817d38c65a53fa:active , .ufdc330b47f66a948da817d38c65a53fa:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ufdc330b47f66a948da817d38c65a53fa .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ufdc330b47f66a948da817d38c65a53fa .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ufdc330b47f66a948da817d38c65a53fa .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ufdc330b47f66a948da817d38c65a53fa .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ufdc330b47f66a948da817d38c65a53fa:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ufdc330b47f66a948da817d38c65a53fa .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ufdc330b47f66a948da817d38c65a53fa .ufdc330b47f66a948da817d38c65a53fa-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ufdc330b47f66a948da817d38c65a53fa:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Academic Writing on Riders to the Sea Essay* child abuse and neglect (seen by Mr. B and Mrs. Scatcherd)Jane-punished to stand on a stool, called a liarHelen- wear dirty clothes, slattern* Mr. B orders Julie Saverns curls to be cut privation fosters the spirit* poverty* deprivation depriving people of the basic necessities ( food, clothing )* burnt porridge, chilblains, lack of medical attentionhypocrisy

Principles of Parenting in Psychology

A Guide to Using the TClientDataSet in Delphi Applications

A Guide to Using the TClientDataSet in Delphi Applications Looking for a single-file, single-user database for your next Delphi application? Need to store some application specific data but dont want to use  the Registry / INI / or something else? Delphi offers a native solution: The TClientDataSet component located on the Data Access tab of the component palette represents an in-memory database-independent dataset. Whether you use client datasets for file-based data, caching updates, data from an external provider (such as working with an XML document or in a multi-tiered application), or a combination of these approaches in a briefcase model application, take advantage of the  broad range of features that client datasets support. Delphi Datasets A ClientDataSet in Every Database ApplicationLearn the basic behavior of the ClientDataSet, and encounter an argument for the extensive use of ClientDataSets in most database applications. Defining a ClientDataSets Structure Using FieldDefsWhen creating a ClientDataSets memory store on-the-fly, you must explicitly define the structure of your table. This article shows you how to do it at both runtime and design-time using FieldDefs. Defining a ClientDataSets Structure Using TFieldsThis article demonstrates how to define a ClientDataSets structure at both design-time and runtime using TFields. Methods to create virtual and nested dataset fields are also demonstrated. Understanding ClientDataSet IndexesA ClientDataSet does not obtain its indexes from the data it loads. Indexes, if you want them, must be explicitly defined. This article shows you how to do this at design-time or runtime. Navigating and Editing a ClientDataSetYou navigate and edit a ClientDataSet in a manner similar to how you navigate and edit almost any  other dataset. This article provides an introductory look at basic ClientDataSet navigation and editing. Searching a ClientDataSetClientDataSets provide several different mechanisms for searching for data in its columns. These techniques are covered in this continuation of the discussion of basic ClientDataSet manipulation. Filtering ClientDataSetsWhen applied to a dataset, a filter limits the records that are accessible. This article explores the ins-and-outs of filtering ClientDataSets. ClientDataSet Aggregates and GroupStateThis article describes how to use aggregates to calculate simple statistics, as well as how to use group state to improve your user interfaces. Nesting DataSets in ClientDataSetsA nested dataset is a dataset within a dataset. By nesting one dataset inside another, you can reduce your overall storage needs, increase the efficiency of network communications and simplify data operations. Cloning ClientDatSet CursorsWhen you clone a ClientDataSets cursor, you create not only an additional pointer to a shared memory store but also an independent view of the data. This article shows you how to use this important capability Deploying Applications that use ClientDataSetsIf you use one or more ClientDataSets you may need to deploy one or more libraries, in addition to your applications executable. This article describes when and how to deploy them. Creative Solutions Using ClientDataSetsClientDataSets can be used for much more than displaying rows and columns from a database. See how they solve application problems including selecting options to process, displaying progress messages and creating audit trails for data changes.

Graphic Design research paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Graphic Design research paper - Essay Example It is, therefore, not possible to use only one approach to all data variants. Effective communication begins with the right choice of the channel. Failure to choose wisely may result to misinterpretation and confusion. Cluttering of the piece also creates distortion and disrupts the smooth decoding of the information one wishes to communicate (Morra-Imas and Rist 478). The design used must accomplish a certain goal. In coming up with the design, the human emotion is taken into consideration. The designer or communicator aims at eliciting an emotion that allows the reader to follow the design and decode the meaning. Once data is available, the communicator lays out the available options for presenting it meaningfully to arrive at the most appropriate design. The design must take into account the target audience in terms of intellectual perception, age or even profession. A suitable design is a result of skillful coordination of elements. Often, how effectively information passes to th e reader depends on the appropriate choice of design. For a successful design, various principles gain consideration. As outlined by Resnick (24), the principles of design include; balance, emphasis, rhythm, unity, and contrast. Balance deals with distribution of design elements in the design. Balance occurs when the distribution is uniform. Two types of balance exist; asymmetrical, and symmetrical. Symmetrical balance occurs as a result of equal arrangement of elements on both sides of a composition. If elements become skewed to one side, an imbalance occurs. The choice of balance depends on the dynamic movement the designer wants to create. Emphasis is the element that gains instant recognition. Its purpose is to attract attention. It forms the most salient feature on the visual presentation. To achieve emphasis, a designer may make the element larger or bolder or code it in a contrasting or brighter color than the adjacent elements. Rhythm presents the way in which the elements i n the design direct the reader’s gaze. A sequence forms when the rhythm creates a reading order. Repeating elements create the impression of rhythm. Unity is another principle. A design achieves unity if the elements relate to each other to create an impression of completeness. Unity is essential in eliciting interest in a reader. Two approaches gain application in achieving unity. These are; grouping, and ground. Grouping happens by placing elements close together such that they appear as part of a group. Ground occurs when a viewer identifies an object distinctly from its base or background. The final principle is contrast. The principle emphasizes visual differences in terms of shape, size, and color of the individual elements. Contrast focuses the attention of the viewer to certain areas of information. Design-lib.com recognizes additional principles to those of Resnick (24), above. Proximity deals with elements arrangement on the page. The intention of proximity is the c reation of unity by placing like elements together. Alignment is the other principle that gains recognition. Alignment deals with the organization of the design, and the expression of the outlook. Lack of alignment gives an impression of sloppiness just as the same way that mixing too many elements. Distortion of alignment is, however, necessary when a designer wants to create an impr

Prison life and strategies to decrease recidivism upon an inmates Essay

Prison life and strategies to decrease recidivism upon an inmates release from prison - Essay Example In the US, the rate of recidivism is estimated to be approximately two-thirds of all released inmates (Andrews & Bonta, 1994). This means that at least two-thirds of prisoners released will ultimately be re-imprisoned within a period of three years. High recidivism rates impose immense costs with regard to public safety, as well as tax dollars utilized in arresting, prosecuting and imprisoning re-offenders. Due to these high costs, programs for inmates, as well as released prisoners, which reduce recidivism, can prove cost effective, even in the event of modest success (Perkinson, 2010). This paper will consider the US prison system, describing its aspects such as prison life, the existence and effectiveness of programs that reduce recidivism and programs aimed at reintroducing released prisoners into society. Purpose for Prisons in the US As an institution, the prison plays a critical role in the society. The US justice system bestows on prisons various roles. The first essential ro le is rehabilitation; prisons provide convicts with second chances to appreciate and learn from their misconducts and change. In essence, prisons help inmates reflect on their lives and search for ways through which they can coexist peacefully within the society. In addition, prisons offer inmates with learning environments in which they acquire new skills essential in enabling them earn decent livelihoods after their release (Armitage, 2002). Another critical role of prisons is deterrence and punishment aimed at discouraging inmates and others within the society from committing similar crimes. Forms of punishment vary contingent on the crimes committed, ranging from hard labor to the death penalty. Such punishment deters others in the society from committing crimes, thus ensuring peace and harmony within the society (Andrews & Bonta, 1994). Moreover, prisons provide justice to victims of crimes. Because law centers on justice and equity, victims of crimes receive justice through th e incarceration of those that harmed them. The incarceration of a wrongdoer provides closure to the victim of the crime. Lastly, prisons in the US protect the public from threats to security and safety as incarceration deters criminals such as serial killers and rapists from committing crimes within the society. Current conditions in US prisons The present condition of US prisons is less than ideal. Prisoners presently live in deplorable conditions characterized by extreme overcrowding. The situation in US prisons provides a viable environment for crime to thrive within prison boundaries. Perkinson (2010) poises that the California and Texas prisons, which are the biggest in the US, have, in the last thirty years, experienced an eight fold increase in the number of prisoners incarcerated. Despite the growing number of inmates, funding for prisons has barely increased, making it difficult to meet the needs of prisoners (Armitage, 2002). Inadequate funding makes it difficult for priso ns to teach prisoners effective skills to enhance their re-introduction into society. Although the US encompasses 5% of the global population, its prisons encompass 25% of the global prisoner population; this indicates the enormity of the issue. Increased congestion in US prisons is also attributable to increased levels of crime and recidivism in the US. This congestion diminishes the rehabilitative role of prisons as congestion makes it difficult