Hard Rock Returns to Prison from the Hospital for the Criminal Insane Essay Example

This passage appears to be an allegory for oral tradition, conveying that Hard Rock is a renowned figure among inmates, and knowledge of his actions is communicated solely by word of mouth. The third stanza emphasizes the significance of “WORD,” underscoring that legends, myths, and folktales were originally transmitted verbally.

The edginess of the piece comes from its use of slang such as "nigger," "indian," and "son of a bitch," which creates a gritty and harsh portrayal of prison life. Additionally, the poem delves into the human psyche and examines the emotional dependence that individuals have on hope, which is often present even in oppressive situations. For the prison inmates, Hard Rock's stories provide them with a glimmer of hope amidst their confinement. Furthermore, within the limited confines of the prison's social conditions and isolation, the inmates rec