Question 4: While we condemn the crime, we are sympathetic to the criminal. Is this the reason why prison staff often develops a soft corner for those in custody?
Class 12 - English - Evans Tries an O-level Page -92
Answers
Your answer :-
We all have a certain belief that the words 'crime' and 'criminal' are synonymous with each other. But we are wrong. This wrong perception of ours actually changes when we notice a criminal serving or suffering from his punishment. We start to look at that criminal as a human being and not as a mere criminal.
This change is what happens with the prison staff also. When they notice a criminal suffering in the prison, they unwittingly and unknowingly develop a soft corner for him/her in their hearts. .
Hope it helps!
Answer:
‘Crime’ and ‘criminals’ are usually considered synonymous. However, our perception changes when we see a criminal suffering or taking his punishment. This is what happens with the prison staff. Noticing a criminal suffer in the prison, they unwillingly develop a soft corner for him in their hearts. They look at him as a human being and not as a mere criminal. They start noticing and appreciating their mental capabilities rather than just recalling their crime.
In the story, Jackson lets Evans keep his hat after knowing that he considered it to be his lucky charm. Evans knew of the emotional side of Jackson and so hit it directly through his talk about “lucky charm”, and managed to fool the stern and practical officer. Even the Governor could not help noticing his intelligence when he caught him in the hotel. Thus, he was not cruel or stern with Evans, and regrettably, took him leniently.