"The brave writers whose work is represented in this volume have acted in good faith, faced their demons, stayed the course, and revised relentlessly. And in taking on the subject of themselves-making themselves vulnerable to the unseen reader-they have exchanged powerlessness for the power that comes with self-awareness."--Wally Lamb

---

These powerful stories, testaments, hit us on all levels: we can't escape the power of their story, Let's reflect on anything and everything that comes to us as a result of reading them, INCLUDING the art of writing them.

---

1. Wally Lamb begins his introduction explaining what goes on in editing, quoting different authors on the art of writing, and lists several techniques the authors in this book may have used. Are you familiar with any of these Writing Techniques? Let's keep an eye out for particularly good examples of the writer's craft.

2. What does the title "Faith, Power and Pants" mean? What has one to do with the other?

3. "I read my Bible-the Michael B. Scoffield translation, which purges the Old Testament of the Europeans' revisions and restores the truth."

What is the author talking about here?
Who is Michael Scoffield and how would his translation differ from any other?

4. Page 194: "In the 'old days' staff understood that and did what they could to provide a familylike atmosphere..."..."At Niantic, the focus has shifted from rehabilitation to punishment."

Bonnie Foreshaw's essay gives us the best picture yet of conditions in the prison, do you think the changes which occurred when the prison went over to a maximum security facility are for the better? Why or why not?
What would be the rationale for what we're seeing as changes?

5. Deuteronomy, chapter 22, verse 5: "The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a womean's garment: for all that do so are an abomination unto the Lord thy God." {page 196).

What potential problems can you see in trying to follow a particular Bibical verse? Do you admire Bonnie for trying to follow what she believes is the priniciples of Rastafarianism?

When the verse was written, what WAS the dress of men? Can a prison system accommodate all religious beliefs?

6. Page 207: "Suppose I go get the pants and come back here. Suppose I put them on you. That way, come Judgment Day, it would be me who'd have to account for the disavowal, not you..." What is your reaction to this passage and the speaker? Would Bonnie's subsequent putting on the pants not matter?


© SeniorLearn. All rights reserved.
Contact: webmaster@seniorlearn.org