Dead Man Walking Mortality Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #1

"I can't bear the thought that you would die without seeing one loving face. I will be the face of Christ for you. Just look at me." (2.103)

Christ was executed, too, so when Prejean says she'll be the face of Christ for Pat, she's also saying she'll identify with him. Christ can be a loving face for the executed because he was executed himself.

Quote #2

I remember Jesus' words that we do not know the day nor the hour. But Pat knows. And in knowing he dies and then dies again. (4.197)

Death is certain for everyone, but knowing the exact time when you're going to die is, Prejean says, really awful. The anticipation of death is a kind of death in itself. More than that, she thinks it actually inflicts torture on the person who's (knowingly) going to die.

Quote #3

Warden Maggio looks up at the clock and announces the time of death 12:15 A.M. His eyes happen to look into mine. He lowers his eyes. (4.237)

Death is turned into a bureaucratic blip: you pull the switch, you record the time. That makes it an everyday matter, like brushing your teeth or getting to school or doing your homework after dinner. But Prejean suggests that even the Warden knows that that's not really going on. He lowers his eyes because he's embarrassed to be part of the chugging machinery of death.