Prisons: A Social Crime and Failure

Name: Prisons: A Social Crime and Failure
Author: Emma Goldman

The text critiques the prison system, arguing that it fails to reform criminals and instead perpetuates social problems. It contends that prisons are a product of capitalist society, designed to maintain social control and protect the interests of the ruling class. The author asserts that crime is a result of socioeconomic conditions, and that punishment only leads to further criminalization.

By Emma Goldman · First published 1917 · Genre: Non-fiction, Social Critique, Political Commentary · 5,259 words

First lines

In 1849, Feodor Dostoyevsky wrote on the wall of his prison cell the following story of THE PRIEST AND THE DEVIL:

"Hello, you little fat father! ' the devil said to the priest. 'What made you lie so to those poor, misled people? What tortures of hell did you depict? Don't you know they are already suffering the tortures of hell in their earthly lives? Don't you know that you and the authorities of the State are my representatives on earth? It is you that make them suffer the pains of hell with which you threaten them. Don't you know this? Well, then, come with me!'

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Prisons: A Social Crime and Failure is listed on Textopian as an essay by Emma Goldman, dated 1917 CE.

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Work type: Essay
Author: Emma Goldman
Date: 1917 CE
Language: English
Genres: Non-fiction, Social Critique, Political Commentary, Philosophy, Sociology
Length: 5,259 words
Structure: 1 section, 66 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

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Work identity for Prisons: A Social Crime and Failure by Emma Goldman
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Genres

Non-fiction — The book presents a critical analysis of prisons and their societal implications, focusing on real-world issues and statistics.
Social Critique — It critiques the social and economic systems that contribute to crime and the failures of the prison system.
Political Commentary — The work discusses the political dimensions of crime and punishment, including the treatment of political criminals.
Philosophy — It explores philosophical questions about justice, punishment, and the nature of crime.