As the story progresses in Chapter 8, a surprising apology by Marsellus occurs. This apology takes place at the board hearing of Robert. In the meeting, Prejean challenges the board to reflect on their individual roles in perpetuating death penalty. At this stage, Prejean has criticized the corrupt nature of the state. She believes that the state cannot be trusted with the determination of which individuals should be subjected to death penalty and which individual should be spared. For Marsellus to offer apology against the backdrop of his belief on the infallibility of the state is a matter of great interest (Prejean 160). His admission of guilt buttresses the notion of individual responsibility. However, the thing I don’t like is Robert’s desire to have a polygraph. His intentions for wanting this particular thing raises question marks given the dark background that has followed him to adulthood. It is not clear whether his desire could be a way to con Prejean or if it is genuine to prove his innocence.
The interesting part of this story is the moment Robert addresses the press. He deliberately gives a true impression of himself when he expresses support for Hitler and Fidel Castro (Prejean 182). In this regard, he depicts himself as an outlaw and a person that the government cannot reach. He expresses a desire to be buried in his boots. Robert’s last moments are unemotional compared to the execution of Patrick. The lack of empathy towards his death reflects people’s disappointment with him. At some point, Prejean wonders how someone can grow marijuana without being caught (205). This is because the processes involved in the buying and selling of marijuana are open such that they are prone to scrutiny of the law enforcement system. Apparently, this doesn’t seem to bother the growers of marijuana because they can always find their way out of the court system.
Work Cited
Prejean, Helen. Dead man walking: An eyewitness account of the death penalty in the United
States. Vintage, 1994.
