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The Green Mile summary
Brief summary
The Green Mile by Stephen King is a gripping story set in a 1930s prison. It follows the lives of the guards and inmates, centering on a death row inmate with mysterious healing powers. This powerful novel explores themes of justice, redemption, and the supernatural.
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The Green Mile
Summary of key ideas
The Unusual Inmate
In The Green Mile by Stephen King, we are introduced to Paul Edgecombe, a prison guard at Cold Mountain Penitentiary in 1932. The story begins with the arrival of a new inmate, John Coffey, a massive black man convicted of raping and murdering two young girls. Despite his intimidating appearance, Coffey is gentle and childlike, and he possesses a mysterious healing ability.
Edgecombe and his colleagues, Brutus “Brutal” Howell, Dean Stanton, and Harry Terwilliger, are initially skeptical of Coffey’s powers. However, their doubts are dispelled when Coffey cures Edgecombe’s urinary infection and resurrects a mouse, Mr. Jingles, after it is killed by another guard, Percy Wetmore, who is the story’s antagonist.
The Unfolding of Coffey’s Story
As the story progresses, we learn more about Coffey’s past. He recounts the night of the murders, revealing that he found the girls and tried to heal them, but was unable to save them. The guards come to believe Coffey’s innocence, but they are powerless to stop his execution due to the lack of evidence and the racial tensions of the time.
Meanwhile, Percy’s sadistic behavior escalates, and he is eventually transferred to a mental institution after a confrontation with the other guards. However, he returns later in the story, seeking revenge on the guards and Coffey.
The Execution and Its Aftermath
As Coffey’s execution date approaches, the guards are deeply conflicted. They are convinced of his innocence and are horrified by the prospect of executing an innocent man. However, they are bound by their duty and the law, and they reluctantly prepare for Coffey’s execution.
During the execution, Coffey reveals that he is tired of the cruelty and suffering in the world, and he accepts his fate. After his death, the guards discover that Coffey transferred the negative energy from Percy into himself, causing Percy to go insane and live in a catatonic state. They also realize that Coffey had an extraordinary gift for absorbing pain and suffering.
The Aftermath and the Revelation
Following Coffey’s execution, the guards’ lives take different paths. Edgecombe, who narrates the story from an elderly care home, reveals that he and his friends were granted unusually long lives as a reward for their compassion and understanding towards Coffey. They also receive a miraculous healing from Coffey, who had touched them during his time on the Green Mile.
Edgecombe also reveals that Mr. Jingles, the mouse Coffey had resurrected, is still alive and well, having been granted an extended lifespan by Coffey’s powers. The story ends with Edgecombe reflecting on the events and the profound impact Coffey had on his life and the lives of those around him.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Green Mile is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that explores themes of justice, compassion, and the nature of good and evil. Through the character of John Coffey, King challenges our perceptions of innocence and guilt, and forces us to confront the harsh realities of the world. The story is a testament to the enduring power of kindness and empathy, even in the face of overwhelming darkness.
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What is The Green Mile about?
The Green Mile by Stephen King is a gripping novel set in a 1930s prison. Told in serial form, it follows the lives of the inmates on death row and the supernatural events that unfold. With rich character development and a thought-provoking storyline, it delves into themes of justice, redemption, and the unexplainable.
The Green Mile Review
The Green Mile (1996) is a gripping novel by Stephen King that takes readers on a haunting journey within the walls of a prison. Here's why this book is definitely worth your time:
- With its emotional depth and thought-provoking themes of morality, the story leaves a lasting impact on readers.
- King's brilliant character development brings the inmates and guards to life, making the book feel authentic and relatable.
- The blend of suspense, supernatural elements, and a touch of the unexplained makes the book a page-turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Who should read The Green Mile?
- Readers who enjoy thought-provoking and emotionally charged stories
- Those with an interest in exploring themes of justice, redemption, and the human condition
- Fans of Stephen King's unique blend of supernatural elements and compelling characters
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The Green Mile FAQs
What is the main message of The Green Mile?
The main message of The Green Mile is the power of compassion and the impact of our actions on others.
How long does it take to read The Green Mile?
The reading time for The Green Mile varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just a few minutes.
Is The Green Mile a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Green Mile is worth reading for its gripping storytelling and thought-provoking themes.
Who is the author of The Green Mile?
The author of The Green Mile is Stephen King.
What to read after The Green Mile?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Green Mile, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- The Innovator ’s Dilemma# by Clayton M. Christensen
- The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
- Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
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- The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda