A Spirit in Prison

"A Spirit in Prison" by Robert Hichens is a story taking place near the Bay of Naples, centered on Vere, a youthful girl intrigued by the unencumbered life of a diver named Ruffo. Vere's journey is about youth, desire, and the conflict between what society expects and what she truly wants, especially as she relates to her mother, Hermione. The story begins with Vere drawn to a singing voice from a boat, where she sees divers. Longing to escape her own limited world, she calls out to Ruffo, and he seems to respond, creating a bond and sparking feelings of control. This moment makes her think about freedom and what it means to be a man, all while suggesting complicated family relationships that suggest the direction of the story.