In her book Silence, Jane Brox delves into the power and impact of silence, starting with the story of Charles Williams, the first prisoner at Eastern State Penitentiary in 1829. Williams was sentenced to two years of solitary confinement, aiming not only to punish him for his crime but also to transform his soul through silence.
Brox’s exploration extends to various contexts such as monastic life, experiences of solitary confinement in different countries, the silencing of women, and her personal encounters with silence. While the narrative transitions between these diverse subjects may feel disjointed at times, Brox effectively conveys the central idea that silence, often overlooked, is deserving of attention.
Drawing parallels between historical and contemporary notions of silence, Brox illuminates how sound and silence have evolved over time. She contrasts the forced silence of prisoners like Charles Williams with the chosen silence of monastics, highlighting the different meanings and impacts of silent practices.
The book also delves into the life of Thomas Merton, a figure who found solace and purpose in silence within the confines of a monastery. Merton’s experiences reflect a struggle between personal silence and the call to speak out against societal injustices, showcasing the complexities of embracing silence in a noisy world.
Brox concludes Silence with the story of Joe Labriola, a prisoner who discovered solace and connection through Thomas Merton’s writings while in solitary confinement. Labriola’s journey underscores the transformative potential of silence, offering a glimpse into how silence can nurture introspection, connection, and personal growth even in the most challenging circumstances.
