The Prison by Bernard Malamud: A Study of Trapped Existence

• Tommy Castelli's existence is a prison, being trapped in a loveless marriage with Rosa and managing a candy shop he hates, which is owned by Rosa's father.

• Tommy has a history of brushes with the law, including a failed attempt to hold up a liquor store, and currently runs an illegal slot machine on the side.

• One day, he catches a young girl stealing chocolates from the shop, reminding him of his own childhood experiences with petty crime.

• Tommy wants to help the girl but lacks the courage to approach her, instead deciding to leave a note for her in the chocolate case.

• However, before he can do so, Rosa catches the girl stealing, and Tommy tries to intervene, slapping Rosa in the process.

• The girl's mother arrives, and Tommy tries to save the girl from further punishment by claiming he had given her the chocolates, but the girl is ungrateful and rudely sticks out her tongue at him.

• Bernard Malamud's writing style in "The Prison" features a non-linear plot with many flashbacks, symbolizing Tommy's fragile state of mind.

• The story explores themes of failed relationships, unfulfilled dreams, and undeveloped emotions, all characteristic of Malamud's heroes.

• Tommy's character is fully developed, while the other characters, such as Rosa and the little girl, are flat and one-dimensional.

• Rosa exercises control over Tommy's life, and her father owns the candy shop where Tommy works, contributing to his feelings of being trapped.

• The little girl is a skilled thief who tries to wriggle out of punishment by claiming one of the stolen chocolates was for her mother.

• The story raises questions about whether Tommy is a sympathetic character, considering his past mistakes and current circumstances.

Delve into the world of Bernard Malamud's 'The Prison', where Tommy Castelli's life is a prison of his own making. Explore the themes of failed relationships, unfulfilled dreams, and undeveloped emotions that define Tommy's character. Discover how Malamud's unique writing style and character development contribute to the story's narrative.