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The Role Of Redemption In Bryan Stevenson's Just Mercy

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Have you ever had an experience that altered or shifted your understanding of something? Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson examines the experience of Bryan as he fights cases for people on Death Row, including those who have been wrongly imprisoned and/or have a mental illness. Through his interaction with Henry, Marsha, and Jim, Bryan’s level of understanding redemption and hopefulness was altered. Through his interaction with Henry, Bryan’s understanding of redemption and hopefulness was altered. In Just Mercy Henry is an African American prisoner on Death Row who was defended by Bryan. For example, it’s written (pg.7, A) “I didn’t expect him to be compassionate or generous. I had no right to expect anything from a condemned man on Death Row. Yet he gave me an astonishing measure of his humanity.” This shows how Henry changed Bryan’s understanding of …show more content…

Marsha Colbey in Just Mercy is a mother of two daughters who was imprisoned for conviction of murder and was on Death Row and was, not only successfully freed from imprisonment, but also brought light to the case of women in jails being sexually harassed. For instance it’s stated (pg.2, B) “Marsha held on despite these challenges and started advocating for some of the younger women.” This displays how Marsha was hopeful even though she had many obstacles to face and thus altered Bryan’s understanding of hopefulness as he realized how hopefulness is something you will always need in order to succeed. Similarly, it’s also written (pg.3, D) “I hope we can do more to help more people.” This also reveals how Marsha altered Bryan’s understanding of hopefulness and redemption because she is telling us how she believes that people deserve second chances at life, and Bryan took that as a life lesson. This is how Bryan’s perspective of hopefulness and redemption was altered through his interaction with

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