Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Discussion Question (1)

Analyze the symbolism behind the following quote in relation to the text:

"Every window on Alcatraz has a view of the San Francisco." (6)

This is a very symbolic quote. Kaysen is referring to her new "imprisonment" in McLean hospital. She compares it to the infamous Alcatraz with a lot of exaggeration because she believes that McLean is a prison. She also may be referring to the fact that inside of a mental hospital the patients are not allowed to think for themselves because their thought is considered self destructive. Therefore, if all the windows on Alcatraz have only a view of the city and not of the ocean on the other side, the prisoners are also not allowed to think for themselves. They are only entitled to see what is already made and not permitted to dream of a new city or a new life; creativity is extinguished in both institutions.

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