The Green Mile - Book Review

Post

Subscribe

The Green Mile is a 1996 novel by Stephen King that was later adapted into a critically acclaimed film of the same name in 1999. The story takes place in 1932 on Death Row at Cold Mountain Penitentiary in Louisiana, and is narrated by Paul Edgecomb, the head guard at the prison. The novel is divided into six parts or "mile markers," which each correspond to a specific event or group of events.

The story begins with the arrival of John Coffey, a large, black man who has been convicted of raping and murdering two young girls. Coffey has a childlike demeanour and displays a number of supernatural abilities, including the power to heal people's illnesses and injuries simply by touching them. Despite the fact that he has been sentenced to death, Paul and some of his fellow guards begin to believe that Coffey is innocent and that he is not capable of the crimes for which he has been accused.

As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the prison system in 1930s Louisiana is rife with corruption and injustice. The guards are often cruel and sadistic towards the prisoners, and many of the inmates have been convicted on flimsy evidence or through outright lies. This theme of institutionalized injustice is a central theme of the novel, and King uses the setting of Death Row to explore the ways in which power and authority can be abused in a closed and isolated environment.



One of the most poignant moments in the novel occurs in the third mile marker, when John Coffey heals the terminally ill wife of the prison warden, Paul's boss. The warden is a man who has always been tough and uncompromising, but his love for his wife has softened him somewhat. When Coffey heals her, the warden is faced with a moral dilemma: he knows that Coffey is innocent, but he is also aware that the state is determined to execute him. In the end, the warden decides to let Coffey die, knowing that it is the right thing to do but still haunted by his decision.

Throughout the novel, King explores the theme of human dignity and the ways in which it can be preserved or destroyed. The prisoners on Death Row are treated like animals, and their humanity is often stripped away by the conditions in which they are forced to live. However, there are moments of redemption and compassion, such as when Paul and his fellow guards band together to protect one of the inmates from a sadistic guard who is determined to torture him.

Another theme that runs throughout the novel is the idea of redemption and the possibility of forgiveness. Many of the prisoners on Death Row are there for crimes that they did not commit, and even those who are guilty are often victims of circumstance or social inequality. King suggests that there is always a possibility of redemption, even for those who have committed terrible acts, and that forgiveness is a powerful force that can transform even the darkest of situations.

The character of John Coffey is the embodiment of these themes of redemption and forgiveness. He is a man who has been falsely accused of heinous crimes, and yet he remains kind and compassionate towards those around him. His supernatural powers are a manifestation of his ability to heal the wounds of others, both physical and emotional, and his ultimate sacrifice for the greater good is a testament to his unshakeable belief in the power of goodness and love.

The novel also explores the nature of evil and the ways in which it can be overcome. The character of Percy Wetmore, a sadistic and cruel guard, is a representation of this evil. Percy takes pleasure in inflicting pain on the inmates and is willing to do whatever it takes to maintain his position of power. However, even Percy is not entirely beyond redemption, and in the end, he too is transformed by the events that unfold on the Green Mile. Percy's cruelty and sadism are exposed, and he is ultimately removed from his position of power. The novel suggests that evil can be overcome, but only through the actions of good people who are willing to stand up against it.

One of the most powerful scenes in the novel occurs in the fifth mile marker, when John Coffey is finally executed. The scene is described in excruciating detail, as the guards go through the motions of strapping Coffey to the electric chair and administering the deadly current. The horror and sadness of the moment are palpable, and King masterfully evokes a sense of both despair and hope in the reader.

Despite the fact that John Coffey is ultimately put to death, the novel ends on a note of redemption and hope. Paul, who has retired from his position as head guard, is visited by the ghost of John Coffey, who appears to him in his nursing home room. The scene is poignant and bittersweet, as Paul reflects on the lessons he has learned from his experiences on the Green Mile and the impact that John Coffey had on his life.

Overall, The Green Mile is a powerful and haunting novel that explores some of the most profound themes of the human experience. Stephen King's masterful storytelling skills are on full display, as he weaves a narrative that is both suspenseful and emotionally resonant. The characters are vividly drawn and fully realized, and the setting of Death Row provides a powerful backdrop for the exploration of some of the most pressing issues of our time. Whether one reads the novel or watches the film, The Green Mile is a story that will stay with you long after the final page is turned or the credits roll.

#book_reviews
#thriller
#horror
#arts_culture
%wneverywhere