Orange is the New Black: My Year in a Women’s Prison

Discuss the role of womanhood throughout the novel. How is womanhood defined by the relationships the women have to each other? 

Using specific examples, discuss the power dynamic between the prison officials and the inmates. 

Discuss the role of racialism in the memoir. How do the inmates enforce this among themselves? How does the prison staff perpetuate this division?

While Larry isn’t a direct character in the novel, he is a vital part of Kerman’s story. Discuss Larry’s role in the memoir. What does he represent for Kerman?

Kerman becomes friends with many women during her time in Danbury. Which friendship is most influential for Kerman, and why? Use specific examples from the text to support your idea.

In Chapter 3, Kerman says that “the most dangerous thing you could do in prison was get sick” (51). How is this idea realized throughout the memoir? What does this statement suggest about the nature and politics of the prison system?

Throughout the memoir, Kerman gives examples of how the prison staff has too much power. Provide examples of how Kerman both benefits and suffers from the guards’ power. What commentary does Kerman make through these examples?

Kerman constantly compares herself and her life experiences to that of her fellow inmates. How is Kerman different? How is she the same? What are the implications of these similarities and differences in the context of the prison system?