The Green Mile, Part 6: Coffey on the Mile Summary & Key Insights

Stephen King's "The Green Mile, Part 6: Coffey on the Mile" isn't a standalone book but rather one section within his larger novel The Green Mile. This part focuses heavily on John Coffey, a wrongly accused black man possessing extraordinary healing and empathetic abilities, and his time on death row. The narrative is framed by Paul Edgecombe, the prison's head guard, recounting these events years later.

The central plot revolves around Coffey's trial and imprisonment. Accused of raping and murdering two young white girls, Coffey is sentenced to death despite his obvious innocence and gentle nature. Edgecombe, along with his fellow guards – Brutus Howell, Dean Stanton, and Percy Wetmore – witness Coffey's miraculous powers firsthand. He heals Edgecombe's urinary tract infection, revives a dying mouse, and even resurrects a condemned inmate who had suffered a fatal heart attack. These demonstrations further solidify Edgecombe's belief in Coffey's innocence.

However, the prejudices and biases of the time are heavily emphasized. Wetmore, a sadistic and power-hungry guard, epitomizes this societal evil, actively obstructing any attempts to prove Coffey's innocence or delay his execution. His cruelty, coupled with the ingrained racism of the era, prevents a fair and just outcome. The other guards, while initially suspicious, eventually come to empathize with Coffey and believe in his innocence. Brutus Howell, despite his tough exterior, shows a surprising tenderness towards Coffey, recognizing his inherent goodness.

The overarching themes explored in this section are justice, innocence, faith, and the corrupting influence of power. King highlights the flaws within the judicial system and the societal prejudices that can lead to wrongful convictions. Coffey's extraordinary abilities serve as a stark contrast to the brutality and injustice he faces, forcing the reader to confront the moral implications of capital punishment. His gentle nature and capacity for compassion challenge the preconceived notions of the guards and the reader alike.

The events surrounding Coffey's execution are particularly poignant. Edgecombe and the other sympathetic guards are left wrestling with guilt and the weight of their inability to save an innocent man. The section concludes with Coffey's peaceful death and a lingering sense of sorrow and injustice, leaving a lasting impact on Edgecombe and ultimately the reader, forcing them to grapple with themes of morality and the human condition.