Arrival of the Gentle Giant

In 1932, Paul Edgecombe, a guard at Cold Mountain Penitentiary, witnesses the arrival of John Coffey, a massive black man convicted of murdering two young girls. Despite his intimidating size, Coffey's gentle and childlike demeanor puzzles Paul and his fellow guards. His presence on E Block, known as the Green Mile, introduces an air of mystery and unease, as Coffey seems to carry a deep sorrow and an inexplicable aura that challenges the guards' perceptions of him.

The Mouse and the Madness

A mouse, later named Mr. Jingles, appears on the Green Mile, capturing the attention of the guards and inmates alike. Eduard Delacroix, a Cajun prisoner, befriends the mouse, training it to perform tricks. The mouse becomes a symbol of hope and distraction for the condemned men. However, Percy Wetmore, a sadistic guard with connections, despises the mouse and Delacroix, setting the stage for future conflict. The mouse's presence highlights the humanity and cruelty within the prison walls.

Wharton's Violent Welcome

William "Wild Bill" Wharton, a young and dangerous convict, arrives on the Green Mile, immediately causing chaos. He attacks Dean Stanton, nearly killing him, and reveals his violent nature. The guards struggle to control Wharton, who seems to revel in the chaos he creates. His presence exacerbates tensions among the guards and inmates, particularly with Percy, who is both terrified and fascinated by Wharton's unpredictability. Wharton's arrival marks a turning point, threatening the fragile order maintained by Paul and his team.

Coffey's Miraculous Touch

Paul suffers from a painful urinary infection, which Coffey inexplicably cures with a touch. This miraculous event leaves Paul questioning the nature of Coffey's powers and his true character. Coffey's ability to heal challenges the guards' understanding of justice and punishment, as they grapple with the possibility that Coffey might be more than just a condemned man. This revelation deepens the mystery surrounding Coffey and sets Paul on a path of introspection and doubt about the justice system.

Delacroix's Final Performance

As Delacroix's execution date approaches, he finds solace in performing tricks with Mr. Jingles for the guards and other inmates. The mouse becomes a source of joy and comfort for Delacroix, who faces his impending death with a mix of fear and acceptance. The guards, particularly Paul and Brutal, are moved by Delacroix's bond with the mouse, which humanizes him in their eyes. This chapter highlights the small moments of humanity and connection that can exist even in the darkest of places.

Percy's Deadly Revenge

Percy, driven by jealousy and spite, kills Mr. Jingles by crushing him underfoot, devastating Delacroix. This act of cruelty reveals Percy's true nature and sets off a chain of events that will have dire consequences for everyone on the Green Mile. Delacroix's grief over the loss of his beloved mouse underscores the inhumanity of the prison system and the personal vendettas that can flourish within it. Percy's actions foreshadow the chaos and tragedy that will unfold as the story progresses.

The Final Walk of Coffey

As the execution date for John Coffey approaches, Paul Edgecombe and his fellow guards grapple with the moral weight of executing a man they believe to be innocent. Coffey, a gentle giant with miraculous healing powers, has been convicted of a crime he did not commit. Despite the guards' efforts to uncover the truth, they are unable to prevent the inevitable. Coffey, resigned to his fate, expresses his weariness of the world's pain and his desire for peace. The guards, torn between duty and conscience, prepare to carry out the execution, knowing they are about to kill a man who has only ever tried to help others.

A Desperate Plan Unfolds

In a last-ditch effort to save Melinda Moores, the warden's wife, from a terminal illness, Paul and his team devise a risky plan to take Coffey out of the prison. They believe his healing powers might be able to cure her. The guards drug a dangerous inmate, William Wharton, and restrain Percy Wetmore, a sadistic guard, to ensure their plan goes smoothly. The journey is fraught with tension, but Coffey successfully heals Melinda, leaving the guards in awe of his abilities. Despite the miracle, they know they must return Coffey to his cell and face the consequences of their actions.

The Truth About Wharton

Paul discovers that William Wharton, not John Coffey, is the true murderer of the Detterick twins. Coffey had seen Wharton commit the crime but had forgotten until Wharton touched him, triggering the memory. This revelation comes too late to save Coffey, as the legal system is unwilling to reopen the case. The guards are left with the knowledge that they are about to execute an innocent man, a realization that weighs heavily on their consciences. Despite knowing the truth, they are powerless to stop the execution, trapped by the system they serve.

Coffey's Last Request

As the execution draws near, Coffey makes a simple request: not to have the mask placed over his face during the electrocution, as he is afraid of the dark. Paul, moved by Coffey's fear and innocence, agrees to this request, despite the breach of protocol. Coffey's calm acceptance of his fate and his desire to bring comfort to those around him highlight his gentle nature. The guards, deeply affected by Coffey's humility and grace, struggle with the knowledge that they are about to take the life of a man who has only ever shown kindness.

The Execution of Innocence

John Coffey is executed in the electric chair, despite the guards' knowledge of his innocence. The execution is a somber affair, with Coffey's last words expressing sorrow for what he is, a reflection of his internalized guilt and the world's cruelty. The guards, particularly Paul, are haunted by the act, knowing they have killed a man who was a gift to the world. Coffey's death leaves a lasting impact on those who witnessed it, a reminder of the flaws in the justice system and the cost of their duty.

The Aftermath and Reflection

In the years following Coffey's execution, Paul reflects on the events and the people involved. The guards go their separate ways, each carrying the burden of what they have done. Paul, now an old man, recounts the story to a friend, revealing the lasting impact Coffey had on his life. The narrative serves as a meditation on justice, redemption, and the human capacity for both cruelty and kindness. Paul's memories of Coffey and the miracle he performed for Melinda Moores remain vivid, a testament to the enduring power of compassion and the tragedy of a life unjustly taken.

Characters

Paul Edgecombe

Paul is the head guard on E Block, known as the Green Mile. He is a thoughtful and compassionate man, struggling with the moral complexities of his job. Paul's interactions with John Coffey and the other inmates challenge his beliefs about justice and redemption. As he witnesses the miraculous and the tragic, Paul becomes increasingly introspective, questioning the fairness of the system he serves.

John Coffey

Coffey is a massive black man convicted of a horrific crime, yet he possesses a gentle and childlike demeanor. His ability to heal with a touch suggests a deeper mystery, challenging the perceptions of those around him. Coffey's presence on the Green Mile raises questions about guilt, innocence, and the nature of true justice.

Percy Wetmore

Percy is a cruel and vindictive guard, using his political connections to secure a position on the Green Mile. He despises the inmates and takes pleasure in their suffering. Percy's actions, driven by jealousy and spite, lead to tragedy and chaos, revealing the darker side of human nature within the prison system.

Eduard Delacroix

Delacroix is a Cajun prisoner on death row, who finds solace in his friendship with a mouse named Mr. Jingles. His bond with the mouse humanizes him in the eyes of the guards, highlighting the small moments of joy and connection that can exist even in the darkest places. Delacroix's impending execution forces him to confront his past and seek redemption.

Brutus "Brutal" Howell

Brutal is one of the guards on the Green Mile, known for his strength and loyalty. He is a close friend of Paul and shares his compassionate approach to the inmates. Brutal's interactions with the prisoners, particularly Delacroix and Coffey, reveal his deep sense of justice and humanity.

William "Wild Bill" Wharton

Wharton is a young and dangerous convict, whose arrival on the Green Mile disrupts the fragile peace. He revels in chaos and violence, challenging the guards' authority and threatening the safety of everyone on the block. Wharton's presence exacerbates tensions and foreshadows the tragedy to come.

Melinda Moores

Melinda is the warden's wife, suffering from a terminal illness until Coffey heals her. Her recovery is a testament to Coffey's miraculous abilities and serves as a catalyst for the guards' realization of his innocence. Melinda's healing highlights the themes of redemption and the power of compassion.

Plot Devices

The Green Mile

The Green Mile is the nickname for E Block, the death row at Cold Mountain Penitentiary. The green linoleum floor symbolizes the path the condemned must walk to their execution. It serves as a constant reminder of the inmates' fate and the moral complexities faced by the guards who oversee them.

Mr. Jingles

Mr. Jingles, the mouse befriended by Delacroix, becomes a symbol of hope and humanity within the prison. His presence brings moments of joy and connection to the condemned men and the guards, highlighting the small acts of kindness that can exist even in the darkest places. The mouse's fate underscores the cruelty and inhumanity of the prison system.

Coffey's Healing Touch

John Coffey's ability to heal with a touch introduces an element of the miraculous to the story, challenging the guards' perceptions of justice and punishment. Coffey's powers raise questions about guilt, innocence, and the nature of true justice, forcing the characters to confront their beliefs and assumptions about the world.

The Execution

The execution of John Coffey serves as the story's climax, highlighting the moral conflict faced by the guards. The event is a somber reflection on the flaws of the justice system and the cost of duty. Coffey's execution leaves a lasting impact on those involved, serving as a reminder of the human capacity for both cruelty and kindness.

Analysis

"The Green Mile" by Stephen King is a profound exploration of justice, redemption, and the human capacity for both cruelty and kindness. Through the story of John Coffey, a gentle giant with miraculous powers wrongfully convicted of murder, King challenges readers to question the fairness of the justice system and the moral complexities faced by those who serve it. The narrative delves into themes of guilt, innocence, and the power of compassion, highlighting the small acts of humanity that can exist even in the darkest places. The book serves as a poignant reminder of the flaws in the justice system and the enduring impact of compassion and kindness.