In the sixth chapter of "Say Nothing," titled "Do No Harm," the narrative pivots to illuminate the indomitable spirit of defiance and the grave repercussions encountered by Dolours and Marian Price as they embark on a harrowing hunger strike within the confines of Brixton Prison. Their actions, fueled by an unwavering commitment to secure a transfer to a women's prison facility in Ireland, unfold against the formidable backdrop of a prison system as rigid as the sisters' resolve.
The episode kicks off with the sisters already confined within their cell bars, poised to challenge the prison's authority through the ultimate act of defiance: food refusal. Dolours' defiant message to the governor, relayed via a nurse, sets the stage for an epic confrontation of wills, where the sisters are steadfast in their determination to coerce the system into relenting first. The governor's prior ominous warning to "bury" Dolours underscores the perilous nature of their protest, highlighting the brutal truth that their lives are viewed as disposable by the state.
As the days of their hunger strike merge into a grueling blur, the sisters' physical deterioration becomes starkly apparent. The stark juxtaposition between the brisk, dynamic pace of prior episodes and the slow, relentless agony of their hunger strike is tangible. Dolours' characterization of their protest as a "stare-down" with the authorities serves as a metaphor for the steadfast determination displayed by both parties.
The visit from their mother, Chrissie, serves as a poignant reminder of the profound familial bonds and the shared dedication to their cause. Chrissie's pride in her daughters' unwavering determination, amidst her palpable concern for their wellbeing, speaks to the intricate tapestry of emotions that war and resistance evoke. Her public affirmation that she "respects [her] daughters' wish to perish" for their beliefs stands as a powerful declaration of solidarity with their protest, reflecting an unbreakable bond forged through shared struggle and sacrifice.
The institution of forced feeding as a response to the sisters' hunger strike marks a harrowing twist in their saga. The clinical and dehumanizing process is vividly delineated, with Dolours' valiant struggle against the guards and medical personnel serving as a raw embodiment of the relentless battle for dignity and autonomy. The moral quandary posed by Dr. Mansuri, who ultimately resigns in protest against the forced feedings, introduces a nuanced layer of complexity to the narrative, prompting introspection on the very essence of the state's response to the sisters' protest.
Dolours' interaction with Dr. Mansuri emerges as a pivotal moment in the episode, delving into the personal and ethical dimensions of the conflict. Her poignant challenge to him, declaring, "I'm granting you the honor of terminating my life," stands as a profound assertion of her agency and the sisters' unwavering commitment to their cause, even amidst the throes of extreme adversity.
The episode's climax, unfolding on the 208th day of the hunger strike, presents a heart-wrenching tableau where the sisters' physical deterioration reaches a perilous nadir. Marian's brush with death and the subsequent decision by the British government to relocate them to Ireland herald a transformative juncture in their narrative. The sisters' reflections on their sacrifices and the relentless fight for their cause serve as a poignant reminder of the human toll of warfare and the potent force of resistance.
"Do No Harm" stands as a masterpiece in depicting the human spirit under duress, capturing the sisters' steadfast dedication to their beliefs and the harsh realities of their struggle with unparalleled expressiveness. The episode serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Price sisters' hunger strike and its indelible mark on the annals of Irish resistance. It narrates a tale of sacrifice, suffering, and the unyielding resolve to fight for one's convictions, told with an unflinching honesty that is both captivating and deeply moving.
