Life in Captivity

This is a response to the article "Freed hostages given 'opportunity to live again'" in The Toronto Star from Febrary 28th. The article is about four Colombians who had been held hostage in by rebels, and were freed on the 27th. The article has made me consider how spaces can be transformed, and also about the creation of places.
In terms of transformation of space I am thinking specifically of the area in which the hostages were held. What has struck me, is how this space would represent different things for those on either side of the captivity. For the rebels who are holding the hostages, the area of captivity would be a place of power for them. It would be the physical manifestation of the authority they have over the hostages. The area could also represent a sense of triumph at having succesfully held the hostages there against their will. These things would create a sense of pride and create positive emotional attachments to the space. The hostage area however, would also be a place of struggle. It would be a constant reminder of the war they are waging and the extremes they have gone to in order to continue the fight. One can see how this space would hold conflicting emotions as a place that signifies the power gained by holding the hostages, but also an unavoidable indicator of the fact that they are in a battle.
For the hostages themselves, it is not difficult to guess at the fealings, emotions and memories that have been attached to their area of captivity. They would likely feal scared due to not knowing what might happen next. Helplessness is likely a constant fealing as they would probably have little or no control over their own lives. There is probably also a sense of defeat, especially after having been held captive for a long period of time. It is easy to see the down side, the negative, terrifying fealings that would accompany the hostages, but is there no positive side? I have to wonder if after a long period of time in any bad situation (such as captivity) one does not reach a point of acceptance. Acceptance might not be the right word, but I think that at some point you would have to stop focusing on the bad parts (not seeing your family, being tortured, starved, etc.) and find some way of making a 'place' for yourself. This probably sounds very naiive and utopian, but isn't it possible to mentally construct a home out of a forced area of habitation? Many of you will think the idea is far-fetched, but when in such terrible physical conditions, why not allow your mind to make it a home.
These are just some thoughts that came to me while reading about these hostages who after being held against their will for such a long time, were now just thrown back into their 'regular' lives. I have to wonder if they truly had not been home since they were taken, or if their captive area became a sort of home.
Karen Giannetti