Magic coat

Author: Dino Buzzati
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-11-01
Features: In this massive prison located in the suburbs, specifically designed to house life sentence inmates, there is a seemingly humane yet extremely cruel rule. Every person sentenced to life imprisonment is granted one opportunity to stand before the public and deliver a 30-minute speech. The inmates are brought from their cells to the rooftop of the building where the warden and others' offices are located, with the Three Saints Square in front, serving as the gathering place for the audience. If the speech ends with the audience clapping, the speaker is granted freedom. At first glance, this sounds like an immense privilege, but it is not. First, the chance to appeal to the public is only once, meaning it is a lifetime opportunity. Second, if the audience does not respond favorably—which is most often the case—the life sentence becomes the judgment of the general public upon the inmate, adding an extra burden. Consequently, the years of imprisonment that follow become even more unbearable and desolate.
Additionally, there is another point that turns hope into torment. Inmates do not know when it will be their turn; everything is decided by the warden. It is possible to be taken to the rooftop mere hours after being imprisoned, or one may have to wait for an extended period. Some are young when they enter prison but, by the time they reach the "rooftop of fate," are already old and nearly unable to speak. Thus, facing such a grueling test, it is impossible to prepare calmly. We constantly think: "Maybe tomorrow will be my turn, or tonight, or even in an hour." This anxiety leaves us unable to think clearly, with even the most unrelated thoughts mixing together, driving us to the brink of exhaustion. Even during short outdoor breaks, we dare not talk to other inmates. Generally, people in our circle do not trust each other and are unwilling to exchange opinions about this, which should be the main topic. Each of us believes we have discovered a great secret, found an impeccable topic to capture the audience's hearts, and fears that if it is revealed to others, they will get ahead: in other words, certain arguments are said to move people deeply the first time they hear them, but the second time, they lose interest.
To gain insight, the only reference we have is the experience of those who have already given speeches but were not well-received. At the very least, we try to learn what methods they used. However, these "rejected" individuals refuse to speak, no matter how much we beg them to reveal the content of their speeches or the audience's reactions. They simply smile coldly and remain silent. They must think that since I will spend the rest of my life in prison—so they must think—I will not help you either, after all, I am a bad egg. In reality, even if they keep their mouths shut, some rumors still reach our ears, though they lack concrete evidence. For example, it is said that the inmates' main appeals are twofold: their innocence and their love for their families—no need to say more. As for how they phrase their arguments, their word choices, whether they resort to harsh criticism or pleading, whether they shed tears—none of this is known.
What is truly tricky, however, is the audience that comes to hear the speeches. After all, while we are irredeemable villains, the free men and women outside are not exactly angels either.