TV Show Scene

Show: Prison Break

Episode/Scene: Prison Break: Prison Break Episode 1

Analysis

The TV Show Prison Break is representative of Transcendentalism for a number of reasons. Prison Break follows Micheal Scofield, who is trying to help his brother escape the death penalty for a crime he did not commit. Although this is not an act of ‘Civil’ Disobedience it has themes of non conformity and going against what you believe is right regardless of the potential punishment. Throughout the story Micheal has to have a lot of self reliance and do a lot of preparation to help his brother escape instead of relying on others which is a key theme of transcendentalism. Prison Break is a great representative of Trancendentalistic themes and does a good job of showing them throughout its 5 seasons. Prison Break also relates to Thoreau’s non-conformity against government in his ‘Resistance to Government’ Excerpt when it says “in which majorities do not virtually decide right and wrong, but conscience” (Thoreau 1). Thoreau would agree with Prison Break plot since the main plot is going against the laws for what you believe.