Question

Why does Steve Earle visit Jonathan Nobles? Why is Nobles in prison? Summarize the chain of events that takes place in this selection.

a) Steve Earle visits Jonathan Nobles to understand the death penalty and its impact on individuals.
b) Jonathan Nobles is in prison for committing a brutal murder.
c) The chain of events in this selection involves Earle's conversations with Nobles, where they discuss his crime, remorse, and the death penalty. Earle also explores the impact of the death penalty on the families of both the victims and the perpetrators.

Answer 1

Steve Earle visits Jonathan Nobles in prison to explore the death penalty's personal and societal impacts. Nobles, in prison for murder, discusses with Earle his crime and the concept of capital punishment, referencing the ancient Code of Hammurabi's 'an eye for an eye' principle predating Biblical texts.

Step-by-step explanation:

Steve Earle visits Jonathan Nobles in prison as part of his exploration into the death penalty and its effects on convicts, particularly those sentenced to death like Nobles. Nobles is incarcerated for committing a gruesome murder. During their meetings, Earle and Nobles discuss the nature of Nobles' crime, his sense of remorse, and their views on capital punishment. These conversations delve into the personal aspects of the death penalty, assessing its impact not only on the convicts but also on the families involved on both sides of the crime. Additionally, Earle's visit is an opportunity to reflect on the ancient principles of justice, like those found in the Code of Hammurabi, reflected in the biblical phrase "an eye for an eye."

The Code of Hammurabi is one of the earliest written sets of laws that highlight the concept of proportional punishment. The code emphasizes the retributive nature of justice from ancient times, as stated by Steven's reference to the house builder being punished with death should his construction cause the homeowner's demise. This kind of retributive justice is a precursor to the biblical principle that has influenced the modern understanding of the death penalty. Furthermore, the epilogue of the Code speaks to the lasting legacy and importance of a ruler, similar to the reflective journey Earle embarks upon when considering the death penalty's broader implications on society and legacy.

Answer 2

Steve Earle visits Jonathan Nobles to understand the death penalty and its impact on individuals, and to explore the chain of events that led to Nobles’ incarceration for committing a brutal murder.

Explanation

In the selection, Steve Earle, a singer-songwriter, visits Jonathan Nobles, a man on death row, to learn about the death penalty and its effects on individuals. Nobles has been sentenced to death for committing a brutal murder, and Earle wants to understand the circumstances that led to this outcome. During their conversations, Earle and Nobles discuss the crime, remorse, and the death penalty. Earle also explores the impact of the death penalty on the families of both the victims and the perpetrators.

The chain of events that takes place in this selection begins with Earle’s desire to understand the death penalty and its implications. He chooses to meet with Nobles, who is an example of someone who has been affected by the death penalty, as he is awaiting his execution. Through their conversations, Earle gains insight into the mindset of a person who has committed a heinous crime and is now facing the ultimate punishment.

During their discussions, Earle learns about the events leading up to the murder, including Nobles’ background and the circumstances that led him to commit the crime. Earle also hears about Nobles’ remorse for his actions and the impact it has had on his family. Additionally, Earle explores the effect of the death penalty on the families of the victim and the perpetrator, and how it has affected them emotionally and psychologically.

Through this chain of events, Earle gains a deeper understanding of the death penalty and its consequences, both for the individuals involved and their families. He also realizes the complexity of the issue and the need for a more thoughtful and compassionate approach to the punishment of criminals.