I read chapter 6 of the book Holding the Key: My Year as a Guard at Sing Sing (2001, Ted Conover, Scribner). The book is about a journalist that went undercover as a prison guard.
The article is written from a first person perspective. The chapter’s title, Life in Mama’s House, comes from the focus on Mama Cradle; she is the Officer in Charge at the prison. The author shows a respect and admiration for her even though she is not liked by all staff. The author is constantly looking for Mama’s approval. Every time he does something he looks to see if Mama is pleased. Mama also has the respect from the prisoners who sometimes refuse to obey instructions if they do not come from Mama.
The events are mostly in chronological order but there are also looks into other people’s backgrounds. Chunks of conversations give a slice of prison life with reader being an observer, rather than just being told.
Racial and gang divisions take a large role in the life of the prisoners. The author also comments on the range of psychological issues that the prisoners have. The tension between prisoners and guards is hidden with banter and sly jokes.
- Further Reading: Guarding Sing Sing
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