As a reader, I was upset with the comparison between Pat"s sentence and his brother"s sentence. How could two brothers who conspired in the murder together receive two different sentences: Pat receiving a death sentence, while Pat"s brother Eddie receiving a lesser charge in a life sentence. Sister Helen"s method of using the line she overheard at Angola about "the wrong brother is being sent to the chair" also pushes the reader to believe that maybe Louisiana is killing the wrong man. How could you be in favor of capital punishment if you are unsure in regard to its accuracy? Also, the methods she uses describing Pat"s last night are very convincing and accurate. Sister describes in great detail the shaving of Pat"s head, his final march into the death room, and the guards strapping him down. These descriptions, along with the description of his death, give the reader the idea that this is terribly wrong and inhumane. Sister"s details really made me believe that there are other methods available for dealing with convicted murderers. Death does not have to be one of them.

             Sister"s next case was Robert Lee Willie. Although this case also presented a strong argument opposing capital punishment, I did not feel it was as convincing as the Pat Sonnier case. Sister took on this case after the death of Pat, and maybe that had an effect on her ability to be Robert"s spiritual advisor. Her persona in dealing with Robert Willie did not seem as constructed or convincing as her dealings with Sonnier. Although she fought hard for Willie"s life, it seemed like she was content when the Pardon Board made its decision to go along with the sentence of death. She seemed to have the attitude like she knew he was going to die, so why try and fight it. I think the cocky attitude and the rebel-like personality of Robert gave Sister Helen these ideas. Although Robert Lee seemed like a nice man, he never felt remorse for his actions.