#219: In the Panopticon
In the 18th century, philosopher and social theorist Jeremy Bentham came up with a new way of enforcing social discipline. The Panopticon, as he called it, referred to a physical building — a prison built around a central observation tower where the guards can see all cells at all times, while the inmates never know if they are being watched or not. Much like the building, in a Panopticon society, the mere threat of surveillance or (social) repercussions is meant to encourage self-regulation and eradicate misbehavior.
This week’s prompts are inspired by different forms of surveillance, confinement, and self-monitoring. From speed cameras that may or may not be recording to judgmental inner voices, let’s explore group think, social norms, and freedom of body and soul.
This week's prompts
Write a story that includes the line “I think someone’s listening/watching.”
Dialogue
–
52 stories
Set your story in a type of prison cell.
Dark
–
80 stories
Write about someone who is shackled by fears of failure, until they break free.
Character
–
28 stories
Stories
“His Wounds Green” by Geir Westrul
Submitted to Contest #219
“The Exodus of the Corporate Zombies” by Jonathan Page
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #219
“Watchers” by J.B. Redel
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #219
“The Rarely Traveled Forest” by Lake Solomon
Submitted to Contest #219
“The Cleanse” by Lucy Joyce
Submitted to Contest #219
“A Woman's Glory” by Hannah P. Simmons
Submitted to Contest #219
“Opening Night” by Cemi Jade Weatherford
Submitted to Contest #219
“Rec Time” by AnneMarie Miles
Submitted to Contest #219
“When Falls The Night” by Mary Bendickson
Submitted to Contest #219
“Whispers in the Shadows” by Kristin Satterfield
Submitted to Contest #219
“No One is Watching” by Kelly L
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #219
“Among the Stars” by Daniel Allen
Submitted to Contest #219
“Once Upon a Time in a Prison Cell Somewhere” by Murray Burns
Submitted to Contest #219
“On Being a Bad Bitch” by Jonathan Page
Submitted to Contest #219
“Mute Discussions of Government Intrustion” by Cade Holter
Submitted to Contest #219
$250
Prize money
249
Contest entries
113
Stories
Ended on 23:59 - Oct 13, 2023 EST
Won by Kate Hughes 🏆
Title: Cell 3.47
Submissions must be between 1,000 - 3,000 words and will be approved and published on Reedsy Prompts within 7 days of the contest closing.
Read the full terms & conditions or check out the FAQ if you have any questions!