Chapter 17 Summary

Between Grant's conversation with Miss Emma on Monday and his Friday visit with Jefferson, he says that he has left some of his anger behind. Grant theorizes that the Christmas season may play a part in this, but also says that he could never stay angry for long.

Grant goes through the usual process at the jail before he can see Jefferson. He talks with a deputy, named Paul Bonin, who is more amiable than other jail personnel. Bonin reports that the other prisoners are curious about the execution; but as he has no experience, he has little to tell them. Bonin says that Jefferson never discusses the execution. Bonin tells Grant that he does not plan to get close to Jefferson. He will treat Jefferson decently, but says that he will always do his duty. Grant tells Bonin that he feels "the...