Free Essays - Dead Man Walking

Dead Man Walking

People in society today have changed their feelings towards humanity and

religious practises. This change is seen clearly in the movie "Dead Man

Walking." The characters go through changes in their view of religion and their

feelings about human morality and humanity towards each other. The characters

of Sister Helen, Matthew, and the victims parents all went through these changes

during the movie for different reasons.

These emotional changes that the characters went through are very common.

Everyone changes their ideals and morals depending on their situation.

Matthew's ideals changed because he feared that he was going to die alone.

Sister Helen's feelings changed because she saw a side of Matthew that no one

else was able to see. The parents of the victim "Hope" were filled with revenge

because of what Matthew did, not why he did it. The father of the victim "

Walter" was very sympathetic, he understanding of what Matthew was going through.

SISTER HELEN

Sister Helen was very unsure about what she was doing in life. She

became a nun to give back to the community which gave her good Christian morals

and values. By becoming a nun she was able to teach others to respect life and

become more like Jesus (A Son of God). As a child Sister Helen was taught to be

very supportive and to give this support to those who needed her help.

When confronted with Matthew, Sister Helen tries to see the good in him

and show him the respect she believes he deserves. She believes that there is

good in all man and that every person deserves respect. Sister Helen

understands that what Matthew did was wrong, but she also knows that every

person is worth more than their worst act, and that ,"No man deserves to die . .

.". In Sister Helen's mind every man deserves a chance. From insight into her

background and Christian upbringing Sister Helen is able to see and feel for

Matthew as a person and not as an object of "...scum or as a monster...".

The media's understanding and the victims parents understanding is that

Sister Helen believes that Matthew was wronged by the system.