In my eyes, Newton seems like he has done enough time in prison to know that he deserves a second chance. What really changed his perspectives and views is Shakespeare.He explains Shakespeare was a key to survive in solitary confinement. Newton makes connections with Hamlet and a killer dog, saying “ This is not just a rehabilitate dog lying down passively; this is a dog who is actively rehabilitating other killer dogs. Newton was doing in his approach to Hamlet.” (g132)
Long story short, a close friend of mine who went to jail because him and his friends decided to have illegal substances and a handgun in the car. He was one of the lucky ones where the judge dropped all his charges, because he had no record, and was given a second chance. He was locked up for about two to four weeks and wasn’t able to leave his cell. He explained his experience and said, “ all the bad things that happened in your life just started running through your head. You finally have time to think about everything, you start having regrets in your life and their is so much feeling that you can’t even feel anymore, emotion, but you can’t cry. I tried carving on the wall with a pencil they gave me saying “God save me..”. I thought I was going crazy.” Do you think this is how all prisoners feel? Even though my friend did not do as much time compared to what Newton is facing, do you think it would make a difference if inmates had someone else locked up in the cell with them? Will more programs like Shakespeare be just as effective towards other inmates?