Meaning: The quote "Now the Tombs, like the name says, are so horrible that they had to close it down. Today it doesn't exist and people go in the electric chair and all that" by Gregory Corso, a renowned poet of the Beat Generation, alludes to the notorious New York City jail complex known as "the Tombs." The Tombs, officially named the Manhattan Detention Complex, was a correctional facility located in Lower Manhattan with a history dating back to the 1830s. The name "the Tombs" was derived from the original Egyptian-style tombs-like design of the building, which was considered a grim and foreboding structure.

The Tombs gained a reputation for its harsh and inhumane conditions, which led to its closure in the 1970s. The facility was known for its overcrowding, violence, and unsanitary conditions, which contributed to its infamy as a place of despair and suffering. In addition to housing regular inmates, the Tombs also held individuals awaiting trial and those sentenced to death, including those who ultimately met their fate in the electric chair, as mentioned in Corso's quote.

Gregory Corso's poignant words capture the grim reality of the Tombs and the impact it had on the individuals who passed through its gates. His reference to the electric chair alludes to the use of capital punishment within the facility, a practice that was eventually abolished in New York and many other states.

Corso, a key figure in the Beat Generation along with poets such as Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac, was known for his raw and evocative writing style. He often drew inspiration from his own experiences and observations of the world around him, and his words in this quote reflect a deep sense of empathy for those who suffered within the walls of the Tombs.

The closure of the Tombs marked the end of an era for the notorious institution, but its legacy continues to resonate in the collective memory of New York City and beyond. The facility's history serves as a reminder of the challenges and injustices within the criminal justice system, prompting ongoing discussions about prison reform and the treatment of incarcerated individuals.

In conclusion, Gregory Corso's quote encapsulates the grim and haunting legacy of the Tombs, a once-feared correctional facility that has since been relegated to the annals of history. His words serve as a poignant reminder of the suffering and despair that characterized the institution, while also prompting reflection on the broader issues of justice and humanity within the criminal justice system.