Edward P. Jones’ stories are classic examples of the influence of urban infamy on one’s personality and reconnection to society. The main character Caesar is not evil by nature, instead, he is simply a victim of his social environment and a series of highly stressful circumstances that led him to commit the terrible crime, homicide. Caesar was a disowned child “three doors” from insanity with severe psychological traumas and being influenced by bad people, he believed that he was a bad person and hence killed a person; however, after serving his time in prison, the character’s views changed, Ceasar did not know what he was going to do, but he was going to earn “legit” money from now (Jones, 2009, p.75). Thus, criminals cannot fully reconnect to society because of the toxic environment that nourishes a person’s negative qualities but can try to lead a better life. Moreover, the system in prison is not focused on making people better, but the inner conflict of criminals might push them to make changes and search for redemption.
Reference
Jones, E. P. (2009). All Aunt Hagar’s Children: Stories. United States: HarperCollins e-books.