The play “Short Eyes” brings forth many themes and social dynamics. We are able to visualize a society within a society and how each character brings their own individuality to the community. We see the diverse culture within this prison setting; however, we are also able to see the discrimination that takes place within it as well. The main character, Davis Clark, is one of the people who are called “Short Eyes”, prison slang for pedophile, and we apprehend in what ways he is out casted for his race and his tainted reputation.
The numerous underlying themes within this play shape the idea of perception versus reality. Each character individually possesses a vision of how “reality” is not entirely what it seems. This is prominently projected …show more content…
. . no one told me anything.
JUAN: IF they are rushing it –the P.I.—that could mean they only are waiting on the limitation to run out” (Act two – 83).
The morality crippling society within the prison solely does not seem to affect Juan as he seems to be the only one with good standards and/or discipline. He is a man who chooses an alternative path rather than violence, considering he experienced it himself. This seems to be one of the main turning points of the play; nonetheless, showing the hidden side of humanity within a prison full of criminals, in which the outer world believes they have no morality to begin with. We are able to see the alternative side to some characters and the progression or destruction of relationships within the …show more content…
In the play, the inmates are only able to come and go by the authorities of those above them, which is very similar to the outer world itself. Each person within a society is shaped or molded into believing or acting a certain way to some extent, which is almost as if we are puppets. This is where it alters people’s identities based on the idea of how the outer world is shaped. For example, when the inmates harassed him and shoved his head into the toilet, the majority of the people within the prison followed along with this aggressive/abusive behavior. The play portrays that some might believe that violence is not the answer, but we are sometimes pressured to fit into how society is built to receive acceptance or for pure survival. This is prevalent when the inmates all gather up to bully Davis together rather than individually. A group is stronger and more powerful than an individual trying to defend himself. Since Davis was labeled as a pedophile, the inmates could have turned to harassment/violence to protect themselves or to show their dominance. This also can be related to animals and their primal instincts. Wolves, for instance, like to travel in packs. Through this pack, they are able to assert dominance over other species of animals while insuring their survival. This prison represents same qualities an animalistic society preferably
The numerous underlying themes within this play shape the idea of perception versus reality. Each character individually possesses a vision of how “reality” is not entirely what it seems. This is prominently projected …show more content…
. . no one told me anything.
JUAN: IF they are rushing it –the P.I.—that could mean they only are waiting on the limitation to run out” (Act two – 83).
The morality crippling society within the prison solely does not seem to affect Juan as he seems to be the only one with good standards and/or discipline. He is a man who chooses an alternative path rather than violence, considering he experienced it himself. This seems to be one of the main turning points of the play; nonetheless, showing the hidden side of humanity within a prison full of criminals, in which the outer world believes they have no morality to begin with. We are able to see the alternative side to some characters and the progression or destruction of relationships within the …show more content…
In the play, the inmates are only able to come and go by the authorities of those above them, which is very similar to the outer world itself. Each person within a society is shaped or molded into believing or acting a certain way to some extent, which is almost as if we are puppets. This is where it alters people’s identities based on the idea of how the outer world is shaped. For example, when the inmates harassed him and shoved his head into the toilet, the majority of the people within the prison followed along with this aggressive/abusive behavior. The play portrays that some might believe that violence is not the answer, but we are sometimes pressured to fit into how society is built to receive acceptance or for pure survival. This is prevalent when the inmates all gather up to bully Davis together rather than individually. A group is stronger and more powerful than an individual trying to defend himself. Since Davis was labeled as a pedophile, the inmates could have turned to harassment/violence to protect themselves or to show their dominance. This also can be related to animals and their primal instincts. Wolves, for instance, like to travel in packs. Through this pack, they are able to assert dominance over other species of animals while insuring their survival. This prison represents same qualities an animalistic society preferably