But in here you can't just shoot down a man and his story, lie or not.
-- Narrator (County)

Importance: A story can empower by granting the teller control of their narrative and how their life, or an event from their life, is perceived. In this line, the narrator captures the power of story for the marginalized incarcerated population.

I wasn't damaged or diminished or anything just for making the mistakes I'd made, and seemed to keep making. What would happen is this: in certain people, failure could turn into an asset. Failure could make you a better person.
-- Narrator (A Human Number)

Importance: Here, the narrator imagined someone else forgiving him for his mistakes and affirming his humanity, which shows the importance of social interaction in shaping identity. This also hones in on the mental harms of isolation.

When you're separated from the people you know and love, every emotion is multiplied. Your mind becomes a very clear...
-- Narrator (Sunshine)