The following interesting dialogue in the Socratic manner—“An Imaginary Conversation between two Members of the Casuistry Class”—is also by a very young criminal, who was also something of a poet:—
“Did you not agree last Sunday with the member of our class who said that life in prison is a state of slavery?
No, I did not. In fact, I am astonished at your question. I rather think it is not a state of slavery.
That is a very curious belief.
It may appear to be; but I think it can be proved to be logical. You say that imprisonment for wrong-doing is slavery; but what is slavery?
I should define it to be the involuntary subjection of one person to the will of another.
But cannot a person be a slave to passion and to other qualities of mind as well as to persons?
Yes.
Then your definition is obviously incorrect. I would define slavery as a state in which one’s actions are regulated by some power over which he has no control. Would you agree with me?
Well, I think I would.