Did James achieve redemption for his crime? If so, how was it achieved? Was the prison system an aid or a hindrance?
Yes, I think as we can see in his story at the end, James had redeemed himself for this taking of someone’s life. He accepted and admitted he killed Snake - the first sign of atonement - paid his social dues in a way and was making his way back to being a responsible human being. I know that prison can help some people - Roy Hinton talks about this too. It can be a wakeup call but for James I think it also protected him from some of the greater harm the outside world poses
Yes, I think he did. James seemed determined to live his life fully and kindly.
Yes, I think he did achieve redemption for the murder. By the end of the book, when visiting Black Snake’s grave, he finally was able to apologize to him. Even when in prison he tried to do the right thing, staying out of trouble and helping other inmates with their writing projects. He fully participated in the therapy group, confronting his actions that caused Black Snake’s death, severe pain for his mother and a complete derailment of his life. After leaving prison, he obtains employment and pursues a career helping animals. He’s satisfied with small pleasures and desires to help others. He wants to share his love with another dog. Sounds like redemption to me.
From the time he kills Snake, James regrets how he’s hurt his mother and changed the trajectory of his life.. He”d killed Snake in a fit of rage and it took time for him to think about what had made Snake the bad person he was. He developed empathy for Snake then. I was glad he went to Snake’s grave because forgiveness brings peace.
I feel like he did achieve redemption by accepting responsibility for the crime and understanding why he did it, then once he was back in society he lived a simple but virtuous life
Personally he grew and developed deep insight and regret and remorse for what he did and moved on to living a purposeful and just life, and he even truly apologized to Snake. Sadly though the parole board did not see it, so in society’s terms he didn’t.
I feel that he did achieve redemption, he acknowledged what he had done, asked for forgiveness and tried to live a better life. He did kill another person, but he recognized what he had done and took responsibility for his actions. While generally prisons don’t aim for rehabilitation, but instead have a mission of punishment, for James having a writing program at the prison and helping others changed his life.
Yes, I think James received redemption.
I think James had to learn to forgive himself. The 527group helps him come to terms what he did to Black Snake. The group leaders encourage opening up with feelings and anger as a way of healing. His role as Hamlet as well as journaling helped him as well. The prison system programs that he experienced at San Quentin were helpful to him. However, James was a stronger person than he thought he was as he navigated prison life. If he hadn’t been open to the various programs the prison system would have been a hindrance. His thoughts of suicide are a good example. Without support of others, he would have done it.
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