Captain Smit is a prime example of how culture, society, or subculture shapes one’s concept of happiness. The main culture Captain Smit is a part of is the Prison culture. The subcultures he is a part of is the boxing team and the warders. Being in the boxing squad and part of the warders is what most influences his happiness. Being part of the warders puts him in a pretty exclusive community. They run the prison, control the prisoners, and hand out punishments. Being a warder control and superiority and control his concepts of happiness. His rank and the rank of other warders also influence him in this way. Captain Smit is happy when he gains more power in the prison by getting promoted for Lieutenant to Captain. This gives him more power
…show more content…
“The two men had never liked each other, and Captain Smit, who was not a member of the Oxwagon Guard, was said to have been bitterly opposed to the elevation of Borman to Lieutenant”(283). He disagrees with Borman’s views and doesn’t like him as a person Captain Smit wants the prison run in a way that he likes. This changes his understanding of happiness. He is also affected by the boxing subculture. This is a place that is top tier, competitive, tough, and a place of athleticism. Running this squad gives him a sense of pride. Because the squad reflects him, it changes his happiness. He is more happy when the squad performs well, when the members of the squad work hard, and when they accomplish great things. Smit said, “I’m proud of you all, you hear? Not one boxer let us down, even those of you who lost, you fought good”(264). He also develops connections to the members of the subculture, even Geel Piet. He decides he will avenge the death of somebody he would have never liked because of the subculture’s impact. “Shhhh. I will avenge you, this I promise”(291). The subculture’s impact on happiness for Captain Smit shows how everybody can be influenced by
“The two men had never liked each other, and Captain Smit, who was not a member of the Oxwagon Guard, was said to have been bitterly opposed to the elevation of Borman to Lieutenant”(283). He disagrees with Borman’s views and doesn’t like him as a person Captain Smit wants the prison run in a way that he likes. This changes his understanding of happiness. He is also affected by the boxing subculture. This is a place that is top tier, competitive, tough, and a place of athleticism. Running this squad gives him a sense of pride. Because the squad reflects him, it changes his happiness. He is more happy when the squad performs well, when the members of the squad work hard, and when they accomplish great things. Smit said, “I’m proud of you all, you hear? Not one boxer let us down, even those of you who lost, you fought good”(264). He also develops connections to the members of the subculture, even Geel Piet. He decides he will avenge the death of somebody he would have never liked because of the subculture’s impact. “Shhhh. I will avenge you, this I promise”(291). The subculture’s impact on happiness for Captain Smit shows how everybody can be influenced by