The Conflict Between Guards and Prisoners

The Green Mile

The constant struggle for control on E Block, from routine discipline to violent confrontations, tests the guards' humanity and the prisoners' desperation.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Wharton's Violent Arrival Wharton's Violent Arrival from "The Green Mile". The Wild Man Enters The Ambush William Wharton, a young psychopath, pretends to be drugged and docile.

Wharton's Violent Arrival from "The Green Mile". The Wild Man Enters The Ambush William Wharton, a young psychopath, pretends to be drugged and docile.

The Wild Man Enters The Ambush William Wharton, a young psychopath, pretends to be drugged and docile. As Dean Stanton unlocks the door to E Block, Wharton drops a chain over Dean's neck and begins to strangle him. The other guards are caught off guard. Brutal's Intervention Brutus Howell, arriving unexpectedly, smashes his baton on Wharton's head, knocking him unconscious. Dean is saved but badly bruised. The incident reveals Wharton's cunning and violence. Aftermath Wharton is placed in the restraint room. The guards realize they have a dangerous prisoner who will stop at nothing to cause chaos. This sets the tone for Wharton's entire stay.

The Moon Pie Incident The Moon Pie Incident from "The Green Mile". Chocolate Sludge Wharton's Trick After being released from the restraint room, Wharton behaves meekly.

The Moon Pie Incident from "The Green Mile". Chocolate Sludge Wharton's Trick After being released from the restraint room, Wharton behaves meekly.

Chocolate Sludge Wharton's Trick After being released from the restraint room, Wharton behaves meekly. He buys a moon pie from Old Toot-Toot, then waits until Brutus Howell makes his rounds. Wharton crams the moon pie into his mouth, liquefies it, and spits it into Brutal's face. Brutal's Reaction Brutal is furious but restrained. Wharton laughs hysterically. The incident shows Wharton's relentless need to provoke and humiliate. Return to Restraint Wharton is again straitjacketed and locked in the restraint room. The cycle of punishment and defiance continues, wearing down the guards' patience.

The Water Hose Subduing The Water Hose Subduing from "The Green Mile". Teaching a Lesson Wharton Pisses on Harry Wharton urinates on Harry Terwilliger's pants through the bars. This is the last straw.

The Water Hose Subduing from "The Green Mile". Teaching a Lesson Wharton Pisses on Harry Wharton urinates on Harry Terwilliger's pants through the bars. This is the last straw.

Teaching a Lesson Wharton Pisses on Harry Wharton urinates on Harry Terwilliger's pants through the bars. This is the last straw. Paul and Brutal decide to use the fire hose to subdue him. The Hose Attack Dean and Percy hook up a fire hose. Harry aims the powerful stream at Wharton, knocking him down. Brutal and Paul then force him into a straitjacket. Temporary Peace Wharton is locked in the restraint room for two days. When he emerges, he is quiet—but only temporarily. The conflict is never truly resolved.

The Confrontation Over Delacroix's Execution

The Dry Sponge Conflict Paul's Decision Paul decides to put Percy out front for Delacroix's execution, hoping to get rid of him. Percy agrees, but secretly plans to sabotage the execution. The Botched Execution Percy's dry sponge causes a horrific death. The witnesses panic. Paul and Brutal are furious but must maintain order. They confront Percy in the tunnel afterward. The Cover-Up To avoid scandal, the guards agree to blame the botch on a power surge. Percy is forced to promise to transfer. The conflict between justice and expediency is laid bare.

Mid-October 1932

Late October 1932, a few days after Wharton's arrival

Late October 1932

Night of October 24-25, 1932