While we condemn the crime, we are sympathetic to the criminal. Is this the reason why prison staff often develop a soft corner for those in custody?

Our perception changes when we see a criminal suffering or serving his punishment. This is what happens with the prison staff. Noticing a criminal suffer in the prison, they unintentionally develop a soft corner for him in their hearts. They gaze at him as a human being and not as an illegitimate person. They start observing and appreciating their mental capabilities rather than just remembering their criminality. In the story, Jackson lets Evans keep his hat after knowing that he considered it to be his lucky charm. Evans knew of the emotional side of Jackson and so hit it directly through his talk about “lucky charm”, and managed to fool the stern and practical officer. Even the Governor could not help noticing his brainpower when he caught him in the hotel. Thus, he was not bitter or stern with Evans, and regrettably, carry off with him leniently.