A prison memoir is a piece of writing that is autobiographical and written based on a writer’s prison experience. It is an intimate piece of writing that tends to be very personal as the writer is in a vulnerable position. I believe it is a unique form of literature as the author would have written it at a time where they were confined in an area with no freedom, allowing themselves to pure out their feelings and emotions. Furthermore, by writing their experience, it is significant as it fulfils readers curiosities on how it is like living in prison and being punished. As well as also giving a voice to the prisoner, and perhaps opening an opportunity for readers to try to understand them.
James Roe, who was an English clergyman who was transported to Western Australia for forgery in Newgate prison writes a letter addressed to his brother. The first thing you notice in the letter is the style of the writing, take a look at this paragraph:
‘no more remands are applied for, and you are finally committed, and are said to be no longer merely under detention but in prison; and the dismal, hearse-like vehicle in which you are taken to and from the police-court, deposits you at that place of terrible associations – Newgate. This will be one of the very painful epochs in your imprisonment.’
He has written the letter in a way in which readers can feel as if they are the ones who are experiencing everything. James is trying to make them insert themselves directly in his shoes. This could be his way of making readers, more importantly, the person who the letter was addressed to, his brother, truly understand his perspective.
Moreover, the prison is described in an extremely grim way, stating it was ‘the dungeon style of bygone days, with massive bars and huge iron rings and thick nailed doors, causes a very unpleasant sensation when you are first introduced to it.’ The fact he had compared it to a dungeon perhaps conveys how horrific the environment of the prison is. Furthermore, he states that the ‘word “silence” written in large characters in the centre of the spiral staircase’ this is significant as it depicts how their freedom and voice is completely stripped away once they are imprisoned.
James’ account doesn’t seem to be either penitent or resistant, he seems to be pointing out exactly what he saw, in a more factual way. For example, he even mentions positive parts of the prison and the fact Newgate is a ‘model prison of its kind’ and compliments the food and other aspects. He goes on to further compliment the workers of the prison writing that he still remembers ‘the officers of Newgate with respect and gratitude.’
This could perhaps insinuate that he isn’t necessarily promoting prison reform rather, he includes both negative and positive features, but all in all, this prison seems to be doing its purpose in punishing prisoners while staying ethical.
Bibliography
‘Letter from a Convict in Australia to his Brother in England’ [James Roe], Cornhill Magazine, vol. XIII, no. 76
voices from the inside 