Discipline and Punish, Panopticism
Panopticism- a social theory named after the Panopticon, originally developed by French philosopher Michel Foucault.
Panopticon- a circular building with an observation tower in the center of an open space surrounded by an outer wall. This wall would contain cells for occupants. This design would increase security by facilitating more effective surveillance.
❖ Panopticons are typically used in prisons, as a way to monitor prisoners.
➢ They are quite the opposite of dungeons. Although panopticons enclose the prisoner, they do not deprive them of light and they do not hide the prisoner.
➢ The prisoner is exposed to full lighting and the eye of a supervisor.
❖ The prisoner is seen but does not see.
➢ He is securely confined to a cell and is watched by a supervisor; but the side walls prevent him from coming into contact with his companions.
❖ Because of this layout, there is no danger of a plot or an attempt to escape.
❖ The major effect of the Panopticon: to induce in the inmate a state of conscious and permanent visibility that assures the automatic functioning of power.
❖ Power should be visible and unverifiable.
❖ In the peripheric ring, one is totally seen, without ever seeing; in the central tower, one sees everything without ever being seen.
Central Theme: Knowledge is power
Important Quotes & Their Connection to The Crucible:
#1- “Hence the major effect of the panopticon: to include in the inmate a state of conscious and permanent visibility that assures the automatic functioning of power” (Foucault 27). The prisoner is aware that he/she is constantly being watched, which gives the supervisor in the panopticon a sense of power. The prisoner cannot gain knowledge because they cannot interact with their fellow companions. This connects to The Crucible because Abigail lied multiple times about witchcraft and even accused people who were innocent. Because of the accusations she made, she was able to feel a sense of power over the people she accused, just as the supervisors in the panopticon.
#2- “Each individual, in his place, is securely confined to a cell from which he is seen from the front by the supervisor; but the side walls prevent him from coming into contact with his companions” (Foucault 27). These prisoners and the people of Salem have one thing in common, they are both being watched constantly. The town of Salem is close knit community, everyone is watching each other for any odd behaviors. People of the town see if you don't go to church or if you work on Sundays. Gossip spreads like wildfire and some of it can be damaging, the people of Salem are cautious, in fear of the other people in town. Just like the prisoners are always being watched, the people of Salem are also always being watched thus, creating fear and cautiousness in their daily lives.
#3- : “In view of this, Bentham laid down the principle that power should be visible and unverifiable” (Foucault 28). One thing the people in the play and the people of Salem have in common is the distribution of power. In The Crucible, Abigail had all the power and it was hidden because she manipulated many people as well as the court council without it being known. Also, Abigail had followers that helped her persuade the minds of the court council and the town. This caused her story to be more believable and it contributed to her sense of power.
Sample Thesis Statement: Although some may believe that they are completely in control at all times, it is quite possible that the real power is in the hands of someone unexpected.