The prison

Question 1

What is the central theme of ‘The Prison’?

Answer 1

“The story explores themes of entrapment

Question 2

Who is the protagonist of ‘The Prison’?

Answer 2

“Tommy Castelli

Question 3

How does the title ‘The Prison’ relate to the story?

Answer 3

“The title symbolizes Tommy’s figurative imprisonment—trapped in an unhappy marriage

Question 4

How does Tommy feel about his life?

Answer 4

“He is deeply dissatisfied and regrets the choices that led him to his current situation

Question 5

What is Tommy’s backstory?

Answer 5

“As a young man

Question 6

What role does Rosa, Tommy’s wife, play in the story?

Answer 6

“Rosa represents the oppressive reality of Tommy’s life—she is controlling

Question 7

What is the significance of the setting in ‘The Prison’?

Answer 7

“The candy store symbolizes Tommy’s confinement

Question 8

How does the young girl in the story reflect Tommy’s own life?

Answer 8

“Tommy sees himself in the girl when he catches her stealing candy

Question 9

What does Tommy try to do for the young girl?

Answer 9

“He tries to stop her from stealing

Question 10

What is the irony in Tommy’s attempt to help the girl?

Answer 10

“Despite wanting to save her

Question 11

What literary devices does Malamud use in ‘The Prison’?

Answer 11

“Symbolism

Question 12

What is the significance of Tommy’s realization at the end of the story?

Answer 12

“He understands that he is completely powerless

Question 13

How does Malamud use imagery to enhance the story?

Answer 13

“He describes the cramped

Question 14

What does the candy store symbolize?

Answer 14

“It represents Tommy’s confinement—a place where he is stuck

Question 15

Why does Tommy hesitate to take action in his life?

Answer 15

“He feels defeated by past mistakes and trapped by circumstances beyond his control.”

Question 16

What is the message about fate in ‘The Prison’?

Answer 16

“The story suggests that some people are destined to remain trapped in cycles they cannot break

Question 17

How does Tommy’s interaction with the girl reflect his own inner struggle?

Answer 17

“He wants to protect her from making the same mistakes he did

Question 18

What is the significance of the ending?

Answer 18

“The story ends on a note of hopelessness

Question 19

How does ‘The Prison’ explore the theme of regret?

Answer 19

“Tommy constantly reflects on his past and wishes he had made different choices

Question 20

What is the overall tone of the story?

Answer 20

“The tone is somber and melancholic

Question 21

How does Malamud portray the idea of control in ‘The Prison’?

Answer 21

“Tommy is controlled by his circumstances

Question 22

Why does Tommy not confront the girl about stealing in a harsher way?

Answer 22

“He sees himself in her and sympathizes

Question 23

What role does repetition play in the story?

Answer 23

“The repetition of Tommy’s daily routine emphasizes the monotony of his life and the inescapability of his situation.”

Question 24

How does Tommy’s relationship with Rosa contribute to his sense of imprisonment?

Answer 24

“Their marriage is loveless and full of conflict

Question 25

What does the story suggest about dreams and aspirations?

Answer 25

“It highlights the painful reality that many people abandon their dreams and become stuck in lives they never wanted.”

Question 26

How does Malamud use contrast to emphasize Tommy’s entrapment?

Answer 26

“Tommy occasionally remembers his past hopes and dreams

Question 27

What is the significance of Tommy’s passivity?

Answer 27

“His unwillingness to take bold action reflects how deeply he has accepted his fate

Question 28

How does ‘The Prison’ reflect universal themes?

Answer 28

“The story resonates with readers by exploring common fears of regret

Question 29

How does Malamud create sympathy for Tommy?

Answer 29

“By showing his inner struggles and regrets

Question 30

What is the lesson readers can take from ‘The Prison’?

Answer 30

“It warns against letting life slip by and making choices that lead to regret