idea that a prison might erroneously release a large number of violent criminals into a community speaks to the nature of the penal system in the United States. It hints at the issue of an already over-crowed prison system, and the failure of offender rehabilitation. The way in which Mrs Davenport responds to this situation by having bars installed over windows also speaks to the attitude of wider society to those that have been incarcerated. There is an assumption of guilt, and expectation of reoffending – which leads to social division along class and racial lines.

Miss Meadows asserts herself, though, and says she will not change her behaviour for anyone. This cuts to the heart of the matter. Miss Meadows is contending with the notion that she should alter herself in order to fit in with a patriarchal soc...

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