Cells

Cells
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Introduction

Introduction by Olivia E. Sears

Whether the Latin word for “cell” originated from celare, the verb meaning to hide, or from cero, for the wax of a honeycomb, it soon became Rome’s common word for a store-closet, a slave’s room, or a prison cell. In all its original meanings, “cell” seems to describe a small space dependent upon a larger structure.

As monasteries adopted the word to refer to their residences, the meaning expanded. For those devoted to the religious life, a cell’s walls offered a barrier from the profane and an opportunity for insight; they offered isolation to aid in reflection and spiritual growth.

In the 20th century, science has popularized new meanings for the word. Although scientists first borrowed the term based on their belief that the biological cell was much like a physical cell—a discrete formation with nearly impenetrable walls—biologists today consider the cell more permeable, its wall acting as a selective barrier, preserving the differences between interior and exterior, yet allowing specified interaction with the environment. Much as it was when monks and hermits first retreated from society, the cell is once again regarded as a locus for transformation.

In fact, most contemporary definitions of the word “cell” imply activity. The honeycomb is a place of production for the bee; cellular telephones offer instantaneous networks of communication; batteries’ stored energy gives our machines mobility. And the social cells of revolutionary groups can effect change throughout a society. Yet, amongst all the definitions, it is one of the oldest that still dominates: the prison cell, the only cell that exists solely to restrict activity.

The most recognized prisoner in recent history may be Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. Mandela was released from prison on February 11, 1990, and soon thereafter was elected president of South Africa. On the 11th anniversary of Mandela’s release, recordings from the trial that sentenced him to life in prison were made public.

Referred to in his trial as “Accused Number One”, Mandela was charged with acts of sabotage designed to foment violent revolution. He gave a three-hour speech in
his defense, his last public words before his imprisonment. In June of 1964, he was sentenced to life in prison at Robben Island. Mandela spoke that day about a society’s confinement of its people and the consequences of that isolation. These words, quiet for so long, are worth hearing again: