Chapters 30-34 Summary
Adam decides that visiting Marvin Kramer's family would be a good idea. Not only does he feel the need to apologize for his grandfather's crimes, he also thinks it is a good strategy in his grandfather's defense. Adam correctly assumes that Mr. Kramer is looking forward to Sam's death. He had even been quoted as saying that he hoped to be in attendance. When Mr. Kramer thinks about Sam, he rightfully thinks about the family members Sam was convicted of killing. Adam thinks that it is important for Mr. Kramer to realize that Sam has a family, too. Adam's father had been so tormented by Sam's crimes that he had committed suicide. Adam had lost his father and is now likely to lose his grandfather. Adam hopes that Kramer would consider this angle. It is rumored that Mr. Kramer and the governor are friends, and Adam figures that Mr. Kramer could likely influence the governor's decision regarding clemency.
While Adam works on yet another petition in his office, he has the pleasure of an unexpected visitor. Wyn Lettner arrived to provide Adam with some additional information and words of caution. He tells Adam that all of the witnesses associated with Sam's case have died over the years, and that many of the deaths had been unexplained. He wants Adam to proceed with caution and recognize that if Sam did in fact have an accomplice, that person is likely to resurface in the next few weeks, which could mean danger for Adam. Adam hears what was being said but doesn't feel there is any real threat. When he arrives home, he finds a scribbled note on the counter. Lee has written a note to say that she is sick in bed with the flu.
The following day Adam receives word from the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. They want to hear his oral argument regarding the ethics of the gas chamber as Sam's mode of death. He is happy to oblige and travels to New Orleans. Although nervous, he argues well in court. He does not enjoy his time in the city, however, because he is too worried about Sam and Lee. Adam does not entirely believe Lee's flu alibi. After all, it was July, an unlikely season for the flu, and a self-admitted alcoholic had just confronted her difficult past. Adam thinks Lee is more likely suffering from an alcoholic binge and hangover. The stench emanating from Lee and her entire bedroom was awful, and Adam had needed to physically bar the door to cut off her supply of alcohol. It is three days before Lee emerges, refreshed, and sober again.
Following his trip to New Orleans, Adam visits his grandfather. They agree that many other avenues, including the insanity defense, should be pursued. Sam delivers to Adam his week's worth of mail. He had been receiving letters from admirers for years but had grown tired of reading them. They briefly discuss Sam's plans for burial and then turn to lighter chat. Sam fondly remember an ice cream treat called an Eskimo pie. Adam promises to bring a dozen on his next visit. At the end of their visit, Sam returns to his cell to work on his case, but is disturbed by yet another visitor. He is told that one of his brothers has come to visit. Of his two living brothers, one, named Donnie, regularly sent cigarettes and letters, and sometimes cash. He thinks it must be Donnie that was visiting but finds this not to be true. The visitor is not someone he immediately recognizes. The man he had once called Rollie Wedge is using his brother's name to gain entrance. He warns Sam that as long as he continues to keep his silence, no one would get hurt. However, he is watching Sam, and if Sam tells anyone about his existence he would act. Sam knows he means every word.
Chapters 30-34 Analysis
At the beginning of the novel, Sam's character seemed unaffected by his crimes as well as by the punishment they brought. His character becomes more complex and the reader sees that he is not as straightforward as he originally appeared. He has confessed and expressed remorse for killing Joe Lincoln. His confession forces the reader to consider him as more than a bigoted, old, racist man. Now, for the first time, the reader sees a hint of his desperation. Gone are the days of the unaffected, stoic Sam. He literally demands that Adam do something to stop the countdown towards his death. In Sam's words, " My X's are getting closer to the circle [around August 8]". He now wishes to live longer. Ironically, the one thing that could help him extend his life is new evidence. He demands that Adam stop the execution, but Sam has the power to stop it himself. If he provided accurate information regarding his accomplice it would be likely that a court would view him as culpable as an accessory to the crime, but not guilty for murder. This path is preempted by a visit from Rollie Wedge. His visit and accompanying threat ensure that Sam stays quiet to protect his remaining family members. When seen in this light, the reader finds sympathy for Sam. If he is willing to sacrifice his freedom, and even his own life, to keep his family safe then maybe he is not as bad a man as he was originally perceived.