Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[KejciorF]

Hi Everybody,

does anyone know if "being in the box" means being in prison/incarcerated?

TIA,

Kate.

[Philo Kevetch]

Hello Keicior F -

Being put in 'the box' is a form of added punishment for those already in prison.

It a very small enclosure/cell (hence 'box'), usually windowless (borne) - without light day or night and in some cases, the 'box' may be situated in the heat of direct sunlight in hot climates and/or unheated in cold climates.

Have you seen "Papillion" or "Shawshank Redemption"?

What are you reading?

Philo

[KejciorF]

Hi,

actually I'm not reading anything. It's just that one of my students used it in her essay and she said it meant to be in prison, but since I've never hearded it, I thought I'll check with you guys.

Thanks for the info!

Kate.

[sabrinawaiz]

[Philo Kevetch]

The terms used may vary from region to region or place to place.

The films mentioned were meant to help identify the type of 'place' used as harsh punishment for prisoners.

If I'm not mistaken...examples of the use of 'the box' appears in "Bridge Over The River Kwai" and "Cool Hand Luke".

'solitary confinement' does not necessarily mean 'the hole' or 'the box'
It means to be held in a cell or other holding area alone - without other prisoners in the same cell. This may be done for various reasons, ie.
to protect the prisoner or to protect other prisoners/guards ("Silence Of The Lambs").

'the box' would most likely be a very small 'shed' type structure located in full sun without windows and no light

'the hole' would also be very small and most likey be similar to a dungeon..perhaps below ground or an interior space within the prison with no light

Philo

[sabrinawaiz]

Thank you Philo. Now I'm clear with the difference between those phrases.

Regards,

Sabrina