Dead Man Walking. Reading Guide. Introduction to this Reading Guide

Transcription

1 Dead Man Walking Reading Guide Introduction to this Reading Guide Unthinkable crimes as well as the state s responsibility for justice and safety have always been with us. Dead Man Walking, Sr. Helen Prejean s first-person account of her experiences witnessing two executions, does recount unsavory acts and their consequences. However, it also chronicles Sr. Helen s personal journey from her role as a death row spiritual advisor to her current vocation as outspoken advocate for abolition of the death penalty and minister to victims of violent crime. In reading the story, our purpose is neither to glorify the criminals nor condemn individuals in the justice system. Rather, our purpose, as men of faith, is to understand Sr. Helen s narrative and reflect upon her perspective. The first principle of Catholic social teaching, indeed the foundation for all others, is respect for the life and dignity of the human person. This belief calls us to respect every human being as sacred. But what if one human being poses a threat to others? The Catechism of the Catholic Church does not forbid the death penalty; it states that, when a guilty party s responsibility has been fully determined, the death penalty is a possible just recourse in order to protect other human lives (#2267). Can there be a more serious decision, requiring the competence to see, than that of life or death in the name of justice? It is through this lens that we, as men of faith, approach Sr. Helen Prejean s first book, Dead Man Walking. The following reading guide questions are designed to assist you in understanding the book, drawing attention to key concepts and helping you begin the process of reflection on Sr. Helen s work. The guide is not required, though the book tests will follow the reading guide closely. Sr. Helen will visit St. Edward in the fall of 2010, so read well, take good notes and prepare thoughtful questions to ask her in person. Happy reading! Educating the minds and hearts of young men to have the competence to see and the courage to act as men of faith. 1

2 Reading Guide Questions Chapter 1 What is the setting (time and place) of the story? How does Sr. Helen first come to know Elmo Patrick Sonnier? How is Sister Helen s own childhood and youth different from those of the people to whom she teaches and ministers in Hope House? In her study of the files on Patrick, what did she learn about his crime, the victims and their parents? How does she sort out her feelings about the crime, the perpetrator, the victims and life for life retribution? Regarding executions, what was unusual about Willie Francis? Why do you think she includes such stories among her graphic research on execution? What does Patrick reveal about himself, in his letters to her, that moves Helen to arrange a visit? Chapter 2 As she walks through death row for her first visit with Patrick, months later, she is struck with the meaning of its reality. How do the sights and sounds impact her feelings? What are some of the things she learns about Pat: his appearance, relationships, out-law beginnings? In March 1983 she visits Pat s brother Eddie for the first time. What does she learn from this visit? What does she observe concerning a prisoner s treatment? Patrick s last hours are spent talking with Helen. What does she learn from him and how does she process all this? Helen continues to visit Eddie, then Patrick who received a stay of execution. What does Eddie disclose about the crime, his remorse, and the trial? What did Helen, looking back, regret not saying to Eddie? Chapter 3 How does racism impact Patrick s death sentence?. 2

3 Millard points out that the public defenders appointments in Louisiana are flawed for a truly fair defense. Explain why. What does Millard mean when he says this is why you ll never find a rich man on death row? How did the Governor s new political career impact his decision about granting clemency for Patrick? Last chance clemency is the Pardon Board hearing. Who are the people present to speak for Patrick s life and what is said? Chapter 4 What impact does Pat s looming execution have on his mother and Sister Helen s mother? During Helen s visit with Eddie, what does he give her? Then when she visits Pat, he dictates a letter to the Governor concerning his not being asked to attend his Pardon Board hearing. How is Helen affected by the letter? In the final hours before his execution, Pat shares his feelings, which he had not expressed until then. What, about Pat s disclosure, is humbling for Helen? Moments before suffering his death, Patrick looks at the witnesses and delivers his last words. What effect did Sister Helen s guidance have on his choice of words? Chapter 5 What was Thurgood Marshall s argument about the death penalty? What evidence did Helen cite about execution not being a deterrent of the crime of murder? Chapter 6 In her commitment to abolish the death penalty, Helen joins the march from New Orleans to Baton Rouge. How does she hope to educate the public with this activity? Discuss Helen s first meeting with the Harveys and how she relates to their tragedy and grief over the killing of their daughter: include their feelings about the perpetrator.. 3

4 Chapter 7 Helen understands the Harveys desire for retribution. What are her thoughts about measured retribution to replace the death penalty? What is Robert s response when Helen speaks to him of reconciliation, taking responsibility and asking forgiveness? Where did the title for Helen s book come from? Chapter 8 What are Robert s arguments, concerning his being a political prisoner, which he wants to make a part of his presentation to the pardon board? What is Helen s presentation as she pleads for his life? What does she reply when Board Chair, Howard Marsellus, explains that none of the five members are responsible for anyone s execution? Chapter 9 In the time left for her visits with Robert, what does Helen do to help him and his family prepare for death? What special request does Robert ask of Helen during her first visit with him in the Death House and why? With a little over an hour before his execution, what brings Helen to say to him You re a real man now, Robert? Do you believe there was a reconciliation with Robert s last words to the Harveys? Chapter 10 What are Helen s thoughts about the argument that dignity and nobility exist in our modern-day executions, done in secrecy, as compared to those in times past? Who attends Robert s funeral, and how does his differ from Patrick s?. 4

5 Chapter 11 What did Helen learn about the Harveys work with other victims families when she next visits them? What does Helen believe will bring the Harveys the peace that Robert s last words and execution did not provide? When she attends the Parents of Murdered Children s meeting what does Helen learn? What does Helen learn when she attends the victim s group she helped organize in New Orleans, named Survive? Sister Helen ends her book with a recounting of her reunion with Lloyd LeBlanc. How has he been able to reconcile, forgive, and reconsider the death penalty? Some chapter questions in this study guide are adapted from: SLV DMW Theater Project. Dead Man Walking Facilitation Guide. Adams State College, Web. 9 June

6 acquit: clemency: criminal liability phase: death house: death row: defense: felony: hung jury: Useful Terms (v.) to find the accused not guilty, or to end court proceedings by some similar means that terminates it without a verdict of guilty against the accused. (n.) an act or dead showing mercy or leniency. (n.) the first part of a trial, in which the liability or responsibility of the accused is determined (guilt or innocence). (n.) the cellblock in a prison where those condemned to death await execution. (n.) nickname for that portion of a prison in which prisoners are housed who are under death sentences and are awaiting appeals and/or potential execution. (n.) the defendant and his/her legal advisers collectively. (n.) one of several grave crimes, such as murder, rape, or burglary, punishable by a more stringent sentence than that given for a misdemeanor. (n.) a jury that is unable to agree on a verdict. manslaughter: (n.) the unlawful killing of one human by another without express or implied intent to do injury. misdemeanor: (n.) a criminal offense that is less serious than a felony and generally punishable by a fine, a jail term of up to a year, or both. pardon board (parole board): parole: (n.) a group of individuals with authority to determine whether a prisoner will be granted parole from a particular prison. (n.) early release of a prisoner who is then subject to continued monitoring as well as compliance with certain terms and conditions for a specified period. penalty phase: (n.) the second part of a trial, in which the jury hears evidence and then votes on what penalty or damages to impose (sentencing). premeditated murder: prosecution: stay: verdict: (n.) the crime of wrongfully causing the death of another human being (also known as murder) after rationally considering the timing or method of doing so, in order to either increase the likelihood of success, or to evade detection or apprehension. (n.) the lawyers acting for the state to put the case against a person. (v.) to stop. A stay of execution literally means the stoppage of an order or judgment from a court. In the book, it refers to stopping an order to execute a prisoner. (n.) the finding of a jury in a trial; An expressed conclusion; a judgment or opinion.. 6