How do I explain faith and identity it as a theme in the film The Green Mile?
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It might not be a bad idea to consider collapsing both of the ideas into one theme. Faith is a critical part to individual identity in the Darabont's film. On one hand, Paul is forced to accept Coffey's powers on faith, helping to add a new dimension to his patterned and sequence based identity. The faith that Paul learns as a result of his work with Coffey helps to bring to light what it means to possess a complex identity. In this light, faith and identity go together, as one where the former enhances the latter. Paul's identity as person and professional is furthered greatly as a result of his faith in John Coffey. At the same time, outliving everyone else is a result of his faith in what John did and helps to develop his identity of both his own sense of self and what "the Green Mile" actually is in a setting outside of prison. Faith has become a critical part of Paul's life and identity, though it might not be a liberating vision.