Chapters 45-47 Summary
As part of the preparations, Sam is moved from his long term cell into the observation cell, where he is monitored twenty-four hours per day to ensure that he doesn't attempt suicide. Eight burly guards escort him between the cells, with Nugent leading the way. From the observation cell he will eventually be moved to the isolation room and then the gas chamber.
With just forty-two hours left before Sam is scheduled to enter the death chamber, Adam is still busily working to halt the execution. Although most of his petitions have been systematically denied—first by the the Mississippi Supreme Court, then the federal district court, the Fifth Circuit, and finally by the US Supreme Court—one had found an audience. Adam's claim that Sam was mentally incompetent to be executed is supported by Dr. Swinn, whose credentials are excellent. Judge Slattery is forced to seriously consider that particular petition.
Carmen arrives to meet her grandfather. Adam had prepared her for what she would find, but is surprised to see that Sam had groomed himself. He had shaved his beard and cut his hair. Overall, he appears much more tidy. Their meeting is cut short by news that Adam is needed in Jackson for a hearing pertaining to Sam's mental incompetence claim. Before arriving at the hearing, Adam has other business to attend to. He needs to meet with the governor, who expresses the immense pressure he is feeling about the overwhelming response of the people. He does not reveal his inner turmoil about whether or not to grant Sam clemency and how it could affect his ratings in the polls, and most importantly, his long term career plans. Adam also stops by the temporary office, which is conducting what he broadly called his "marketing analysis" scheme. Carmen is still with him and is not impressed by what she sees. She ponders aloud whether or not it is appropriate, but does not make an issue out of it. The short trip is already wrought with emotion, and she is leaving that afternoon to return to California.
Adam arrives at the courthouse for the appointed hearing. Dr. Swinn is a sound witness. Adam calls Goodman to the stand. He asks questions about the depth of knowledge Sam had shared with his attorneys. It is Adam's last opportunity to plant a seed of doubt as to Sam's involvement in the bombing. Colonel Nugent, the minister, the prison psychiatrist, and various guards also testify. Roland sits quietly in the back of the courtroom and does his best to blend in with the reporters in attendance. With nothing left to do but wait, Adam heads back to Parchman. On the way there, Adam heard the news broadcast stating the the judge has denied the incompetency petition. Sam is now on his last day and Adam does not have enough time to file any more petitions. Sam also hears the news. He prepares for death by changing into his new clothes and casting away his prison garb. Sam asks Adam to deliver another letter. It is addressed to the clansmen who had gathered out front. He denounces the organization and recognizes that they had only gathered to gain publicity for their own benefit. Sam insists that they leave the premises.
Chapters 45-47 Analysis
When Adam brings his sister to meet Sam, he notices a change in his grandfather. Sam must have wanted to make a good impression because he has made changes in his appearance. He has cleaned himself up and made an attempt to be more grandfatherly. His demeanor is pleasant, too. Adam notes that Sam's new-found sincerity extends to Carmen as well as Adam. Carmen would like to spend more time with her grandfather, but their visit is cut short by a call from Garner Goodman. The governor wishes to speak with Adam, and he is needed at the courthouse for one of his many petitions. On the way there, Adam stops at the studio to check on the market analysis project. Carmen is not impressed and expresses her exasperation with her brother. She, too, hoped for extra time to get to know Sam before he died, preferably from natural causes, but she doubts the ethics of tricking the governor and impersonating the citizens of Mississippi. While his grandchildren hope for more time, Sam knows his time has come. Symbolism can be seen as he sheds his prison jumpsuit and dresses in street clothes purchased by his brother Donnie. It is as if he is making a statement about his freedom to choose and also about his identity—he wants to be remembered as a man instead of a prisoner.