Men in Prison

Authors: Victor Serge

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“Its perfection lies in the total subordination of its design to its function. A modern prison is as different from an old crenelated castle— whose every loophole and battlement betrayed the need for defense against the surrounding countryside or town—as today’s all-powerful capitalist society is unlike the absolute monarchies of olden times, so limited in their real power. Set up in the center of town, or in the suburbs, a modern prison feels totally secure. Behind its thin walls, its frail bui...ldings spread out in a star-shaped pattern. Only the barest minimum of thick walls, barred windows, metal doors and purely decorative battlements has been retained from the convent or fortress of yesteryear. Its perfection is revealed at first glance: It is impossible to mistake it for any other kind of edifice. It is proudly, insularly, itself. The design is almost invariable. There is only one opening in the outer wall, around which the guardroom, the registry, and the administrative offices are gathered.MoreLess Read More Read Less