Stephen King's The Green Mile is lauded for its compelling storytelling, rich character development, and emotional depth. Reviewers appreciate the blend of supernatural elements with poignant themes of morality and justice. However, some criticize its length and pacing. Overall, it is a highly recommended read for fans of thoughtful, evocative fiction.

A reader who enjoys The Green Mile by Stephen King is likely drawn to intense, emotional narratives that intertwine elements of supernatural fiction, historical depth, and moral exploration. Fans of Shawshank Redemption by Stephen King and To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee will appreciate the compelling storytelling and profound themes.

In The Green Mile by Stephen King, Paul Edgecombe recounts his time as the supervising officer of Cold Mountain's death row in 1932. John Coffey, a gentle giant convicted of murdering twin girls, touches lives with his miraculous healing powers, revealing a complex tale of justice and humanity. Topics include graphic violence, execution, and racial prejudice.

Dark / Emotional / Mysterious / Unnerving / Melancholic

- The Green Mile was initially published as a serialized novel in six parts over a span of six months in 1996, a nod to the serialized storytelling format popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Stephen King has stated that while writing The Green Mile, he could not plan the outcome of each installment, which kept the writing process fresh and exciting, even for him.
- The original working title for the book was The Star-Jumper, which Stephen King changed to The Green Mile because he later considered the original title wasn't fitting for the story's theme.

Stephen King

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Green Mile and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Green Mile Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: The Two Dead Girls

Part 1, Chapters 1-4

The Green Mile Part 1, Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 5-8

The Green Mile Part 1, Chapters 5-8 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: The Mouse on the Mile

Part 2, Chapters 1-4

The Green Mile Part 2, Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 5-8

The Green Mile Part 2, Chapters 5-8 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 9-11

The Green Mile Part 2, Chapters 9-11 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: Coffey’s Hands

Part 3, Chapters 1-5

The Green Mile Part 3, Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 6-10

The Green Mile Part 3, Chapters 6-10 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: The Bad Death of Eduard Delacroix

Part 4, Chapters 1-4

The Green Mile Part 4, Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapters 5-9

The Green Mile Part 4, Chapters 5-9 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: Night Journey

Part 5, Chapters 1-4

The Green Mile Part 5, Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5, Chapters 5-9

The Green Mile Part 5, Chapters 5-9 Summary & Analysis

Part 6: Coffey on the Mile

Part 6, Chapters 1-4

The Green Mile Part 6, Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 6, Chapters 5-9

The Green Mile Part 6, Chapters 5-9 Summary & Analysis

Part 6, Chapters 10-13

The Green Mile Part 6, Chapters 10-13 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Green Mile Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Green Mile Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Green Mile Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Green Mile Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Green Mile Essay Topics

The Green Mile

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Green Mile?

Reading Age

Book Details