Dorothy Baker is passionate about reform and seeks to transform the women in her charge so they fit into society views of what’s appropriate. Her beliefs are typical of the day, as are the terms used to describe certain individuals. By today’s standards, they would be considered unacceptable. Considering the time period, do you believe Baker was cruel, or were her methods a “means to an end”? What similarities do you recognize within these institutions as compared to an actual prison?
Baker was absolutely cruel, despite her protestations to the contrary. She utilized harsh punishments, applying them both disproportionately and inconsistently. If her goal were truly to help women become upstanding and productive members of society, she could have emphasized education and skills training over severe punishments for seemingly minor infractions. The use of solitary confinement certainly compares to prison tactics, and “let the work begin” could be compared to “work sets you free” signs at Auschwitz. In some ways, the punishments at the colony exceeded what one may expect in a prison. Prisoners are aware of their parole dates and are not subjected to peer beatings or other basement punishments.
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I think she was a frustrated woman who based her self worth on her ability to control her charges. She was afraid the women would band together and burn the place down or revolt like in her previous situation. As situations starting getting out of her control, she became more angry and aggressive.
Your reply, Beth, led me to think about how totally focused Baker was on saving her position and power. She felt compassion for Stella, but largely because the girl sought to please Baker in order to survive, and so even that small concession shored up Baker’s sense of power.
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Robin, it hurt my heart that Stella was so traumatized and therefore clung to anyone who showed her a bit of attention. I don’t think she will fare well.
Baker had a terrible cruel streak in her. Although the attitude was different in those days, Baker had no empathy for any of the “inmates”. Even in an actual prison there are limitations. Solitary confinement can be compared to the “meditation” room, but even that was done with more cruelty than a prison would likely display. Less quality food, filthy conditions, darkness. That sounds more like middle age monstrosities and the penal system. One can be in line with the beliefs of the day, but that does not mean that the actions need to be so inhumane.
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I do understand that Dorothy Baker had a job, and that times were different than they are today. But yikes, I still think she was cruel. It is acceptable to have standards and rules, but they need to be known by all and followed by everyone. Using harsh punishments, spies and anger to control one’s authority is wrong at any time period.
I think Dorothy Baker was very cruel she only cared for what was good for her image.. The Colony was worse than a prison.
Dorothy Baker was a cruel and troubled individual. Her character was well-developed. Donna Everhart uncovered Baker’s vulnerabilities, her inner thoughts, and her need for power and control quite effectively. What was hard to believe is that she was given a third chance after what happened at her first two jobs as superintendent.
I don’t think any time period decides whether a person is cruel or not. If they just want to fall along with what everyone else is doing and not think for themselves than they are cruel. If they cannot apply the Golden Rule to their situation than they are cruel.
I just finished this book while on a vacation to Munich and other European cities. While in Munich, I toured the Dachau concentration camp and immediately thought that what they were doing at the reformatory held many parallels to what happened in the concentration camp. Personally, I found it difficult to get through the book because everything about it made me so angry. Angry that these types of injustices occurred in our country not so long ago, and angry that these women had no control or power to change their circumstances once sent to the colony.