John Coffey's Arrival on E Block

John Coffey, a massive black man standing six feet eight inches and weighing over three hundred pounds, is brought onto E Block by guards Percy Wetmore and Harry Terwilliger. Percy loudly announces him with the cry 'Dead man walking!' which Paul Edgecombe immediately silences. Coffey is docile and childlike, asking if a light will be left on because he is afraid of the dark. Edgecombe gives him his standard speech and, unusually, shakes his hand. Coffey says, 'I couldn't help it. I tried to take it back, but it was too late,' a statement that will haunt Edgecombe. The other prisoner on the block, Eduard Delacroix, watches from his cell with his pet mouse, Mr. Jingles.