To dream of a penitentiary, denotes you will have engagements which will, unfortunately, result in your loss.
To be an inmate of one, foretells discontent in the home and failing business.
To escape from one, you will overcome difficult obstacles.
[1]1. The part of self reserved for regrets, guilt and punishment, usually a source of obstacles and the failure to reach potential.
2. Loss of reputation, embarrassment in the offing.
3. Feeling trapped.
4. Difficulty in communication.
[2]A dream about obstacles, as in Prison, Cage—only more severe.
[3]