AnnaClaire’s Comments (group member since Mar 23, 2017)

AnnaClaire’s comments from the OITNB group.

Personally, I feel as those we should change our incarceration laws after reading this novel. Does anyone agree or have evidence to back up my opinion?

Well I have learned a lot from this eye opening novel. Pipers story changed the stereotypical way I viewed people in prison. The women whom she was surrounded by shaped her in indescribable ways and her outspoken voice and syntax further prove this. "We shared overcrowded dorms and lack of privacy. We shared eight numbers instead of names, prison khakis, cheap food and hygiene items." (292) While each person she came across came from different backgrounds, they all had in common the lack of freedom given to them. The phrase "-we needed each other" show the strength and dependency the women had for each other.

I loved both your opinions on the books purpose. I personally think a huge part of the theme is responsibility. I have touched upon this a few times but Piper grew as a person and character as the book developed which could be seen in her appeal to pathos. "The women I met in Danbury helped me to confront the things I had done wrong, as well as the wrong things I had done" (279). This well balanced sentenced brings a sense of peace within the reader after being brought along a long journey with Piper.

While assimilating into her undesirable environment Piper conveyed prison not just a punishment for her, but a lesson. "But I was learning something everyday" (126). I feel as though while serving her time Piper was able to come to terms with who she really is. Through her use of contrasting diction Piper shows her new perspective on prison and the people in it. While describing the average inmate she uses the phrases "poorly educated", "low wages", "involvement in drug trade", "limited resources for defense" and "lousy court-appointed attorney" which completely contrast her "private attorney" and "country club suit" (138). Anyone have anything to add?

Other than pathos, do you find any ethos or logos present in Pipers writing technique?

Luke I have to say I 100% agree. Her strong nature and "go with the flow attitude" gives comfort to herself as well as those she loves while dealing with her unpleasant situation. "I needed to renew my promises to my mother and Larry that I was going to make it, that I was okay" (61). This further shows her personality, which will play a important role in the way she perceives in prison.

Julianna that was quite a mouthful LOL! Well to start I'd like to comment on how outgoing I feel like Piper was when she first got into prison. She tried making conversations with the other new arrivals, even if they didn't seem to be interested in talking. "She seemed to think I was weird for talking to her" (53). Moreover, I don't know if it's just me but I think Piper adjusted to the prison life pretty quickly at first. When receiving a pair of heavy black steel toed shoed, her reaction intrigued me. "I loved them instantly. Now I was a for- real, hardened con" (54). From early on she learns to not take for granted the little things when in prison. Does anyone agree? Do you think this attitude will change?

In response to Emma, I don't think she would have made the mistakes if it wasn't for her crazy romance. When being asked by a guard if her finance "knew what she was up too" she was angered, "Up to? What did she know! My temper flared again as I said defiantly, '"It's a ten year old offense. He had nothing to do with it'" (37). As you can tell, the anger Piper feels when being asked such a question is reflected in her writing. This is important because it not only shows the guard, but the readers as well that her mistake was her past not her present. She has changed into a new women, which is also seen repeatedly in the novel through clever uses of pathos.

I'm going to transition to emotions, everyone feel free to reply and add onto what I say! Piper was "normal". She had a respected family, good education, and a decent reputation. So as one may expect, when others heard of her predicament they were truly shocked. Piper uses syntax in order to reflect her deep dismay over the situation. "She didn't say I was an idiot. No one actually said I was a shame or a disappointment either. They didn't have to. I knew it. They were worried for me. They would help me" (22). Her long agonizing journey took a toll on her, "There was no end in sight" (24). Here the reader doesn't focus on the crime itself but instead the saddened women dealing with a long difficult struggle. The pathos evoked from the sentence structure makes the reader more understanding and sympathetic to the young criminal.

I have to say Pipers use of short simple sentences kept me on my toes and curious as to what will happen as the tensions rise. After speaking briefly of her wonderful times in her San Fran refuge and new home in New York she quickly transitions into a colder, more anxious state. She begins the story with the sentence, "One warm May afternoon the doorbell rang" (19). Just from this simple sentence the reader gets draws into the suspenseful storyline. Piper goes on to state "I had put my past behind me, had kept it a secret from just about everyone,even Larry. But that was over" (19). The abrupt ending to her long past of secrets is reflected in the simple sentence "But that was over."

Wow Val you took the words right out of my mouth. Luckily for everyone else, I still have some things left to say! I think for the most part the authors writing style will be what pulls the reader in the most (along with the plot of course). The repetitive questions and simple sentences will make one wonder about their own lives and question "could this happen to me?". This ties into the authors purpose, besides a hell of a story, could the author be trying to warn society through her language and tone? Does the types of sentences and word choice have an affect as to how we view the situation or even certain characters? All of these questions I'm hoping to be able to answer at the end of the novel. I'm excited. That's all I have to say for now but I'm curious to see how others respond!