Dead Man Walking Movie and Book Reflection

For this assignment, you are required to both read the book, Dead Man Walking and to watch the movie of the same name. Reading the book and completing the RG is most helpful for when you watch the movie.

The following site from DePaul University, “In Deeds and Words: Sr. Helen Prejean’s Ministry Against the Death Penalty” gives insight into the making of the movie. Please cite this source if you use it (or any other source) although you do not need other sources.
https://dpuspecialcollections.omeka.net/exhibits/show/prejean/dmw

To make the movie, Director Tim Robbins had to read the book as you did. The following quotations share some of his motivation for making the movie.

Copyright 1996 WNET Educational Broadcasting Company – Journal Graphics Transcripts
SHOW: Charlie Rose (PBS 11:00 pm ET)- February 8, 1996

1. Discuss why you think Robbins made the movie the way he did? What are some artistic differences that you noticed from the book to the movie? How did each – book and movie – achieve the goal of bringing the viewer to both sides of the story? Site one specific example from the book and movie that best exemplify this goal. How does telling the story in these formats help the public understand a complex issue?

2. What tenants of social teaching emerge in the story? Cite two specific tenants that are violated in administering the death penalty and explain. With your tenants as examples, explain why The Church opposes the death penalty.

3. What is your personal stance on the death penalty? Describe what the book/movie contributes to your stance on this issue. Did your stance change? You can be for or against or somewhere in the middle. What are the conflicts/struggles for you? (I am not grading on your stance, but on how well you support it.)

4. In class, we discussed the biblical understanding “an eye for an eye” and restorative justice. What do these two ideas contribute to how we understand capital punishment today? (Refer to the “Eye” PP on Moodle and to the following link https://catholicsmobilizing.org/resource/video-catholic-women-preach

5. State the titles you chose for each chapter and explain why.
a. Conclude with a brief statement of whether you would recommend the book and/or movie and why.
Directions: Answer the above questions in thoughtful, conversational, well-developed paragraphs. Given each question is independent of the next. Feel free to number your answers. Support your thoughts by identifying scenes from the movie and by using quotations from the book. Cite short quotes by page: (DMW Pg.) Paraphrase lengthy quotes. Cover page not necessary. Works Cited if you used other sources (but you should not have to.) Narrow margins, no white space. Don’t forget to craft a creative title for this reflection!

• Each question should take about 1 full page. Therefore the total paper should be a minimum of 5 full pages and no more than 6.
• Please use narrow margins; that is ½ inch margins all around; double space.
• Please include page numbers from Dead Man Walking in your answers (where requested).
• No white space. No cover page. First page begins like the top of this page above the **** line; then begin the body of your reflection. Hit the return key once (not twice) between paragraphs to avoid white space.
• No slang and spell check often. Typos and poor grammar and punctuation will result in a lower grade.