Thursday, May 27, 2010
A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines-TW All Classes
This forum is for specific discussion on A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J.Gaines. What are your first reactions? What did you like most about the story and/or the book? Also what question(s) do you have about the book? Students should try their best to answer each other’s questions. See Blog Assignment for additional information!
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Ernest J. Gaines’s A Lesson Before Dying , is a heartbreaking tale of a young black man living in the South, coming to terms with his own humanity, as well as forging a memory of strength in the minds of a discriminated people—when he himself does not have the strength to support himself. The main character, Grant, is a teacher, one who has seen the tragic stories of the illiterate, persecuted black man unfold many times before—so his heart turns away from tragedy and Grant hides away for the harsh, racist reality he lives in. Jefferson, another major character, is tried for “killing a man” in front of an all-white jury—one not without its obvious biases. Jefferson is found guilty of this crime he did not commit—but was merely a doomed scapegoat—and is called a “pig” by his own defendant. A boy, not much older than me is confronted with coming to terms with his own humanity, discovering what he really is. How can a world that is so advanced push mere boys to confront a world, a question, still unknown in the minds of men? Grant, whose cold heart is warmed by this perverse paradox, helps guide Jefferson to finally realizing his superior purpose—to provide hope and strength to the African-American people living under oppression, by standing, like a true man, in front of the true animal beholders. The entire story—although one of hope is a complete paradox. Both Grant and the white population use Jefferson’s coincidental situation for their own gain, and on that type of face value, are both forms of abuse equally wrong? Although the whites are using Jefferson as a petty scapegoat to justify the wrongs of a brutal murder, Grant is using Jefferson to make in impact on society—and although being a scapegoat is much worse, are they not both forms of twisting Jefferson’s situation and fragile mind? Throughout this story, Jefferson is trying to grasp his personal understanding humanity—his human-ness if you will—while the adult world is futilely grasping for control of his emotions. In a sense, is not Jefferson—although many years younger—not the more thoughtful and advanced person—grasping for an understanding of an ultimate reality? In the end, although he finds his humanity in supporting Grant and his community, are not his path and thought pattern to this place much different than Grant could ever imagine? Overall, the aspect of this tale dealing with an ultimate understanding of one's purpose, as well as that purpose's manipulation by others, was the most deep thought that I was left with, a definite thought to ponder.
A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest Gaines is a very moving story about a convicted inmate’s struggle to manhood. The average reader will feel nothing but sympathy for Jefferson, the character on trial. I too felt this way upon my first read. To begin with, Jefferson is an African-American barely out of his adolescence. Furthermore, there is an unspoken understanding among the book’s black population that Jefferson was falsely persecuted. To continue, he has been ridiculed with cruel and racist remarks. As if this is not enough, he has been sentenced to death. Knowing his situation, who would not feel sorry for this boy? The other perspective of course, is that while Jefferson’s circumstances are unfortunate, they are not completely pathetic. First, he has the love of a godmother who is beyond willing to help him die with respect. In fact, she spends the entire novel fighting so Jefferson will die with character. Second, Jefferson has the undying support of his community. With that said, why feel sorry for him? My current perspective is a combination of the two. I do feel sorry for Jefferson, but I do not view his situation as completely pitiful. Moving on, I found a connection between this novel and the literacy assignment we completed for Mr. Igoudjil. We wrote about the importance of literacy in our lives, and A Lesson Before Dying proved this importance. It can be inferred that Jefferson was the target of the corruption he faced because of his race, social standing, and illiteracy. In short, because Jefferson was not well educated or well read, he was an easier target. A Lesson Before Dying was a very good read. I say this because it utilized easy language and confronted one of America’s major social issues that many people are not bold enough to address. This issue- racism- was a major part of this nation’s history, yet in modern times, we address it so timidly. To conclude, I have two questions. Why do you think Grant was so against aiding Miss Emma and Jefferson? Would the story have had such a powerful impact if Jefferson did not die in the end?
Ernest Gaines novel, A Lesson Before Dying, is the story of a young black man in Louisiana in the middle of the twentieth century, accused of a horrific murder which he did not commit. Sentenced to execution by the electric chair by an all-white jury, Jefferson must spend half a year learning how to face a looming and certain death. The story asks of the reader questions that humanity has struggled with throughout history: how do you face death? How do you face death knowing you are going to die? Consider the Egyptians, their faith in an afterlife to which they would ascend after death; consider Christians, their faith in the reward of paradise for a life of piety; consider Buddhists, their belief that after death the soul is reincarnated in a new body until it achieves the ultimate nirvana and returns to the earth from which it was born. This book, like each of those religions, helps us understand how to cope. Jefferson knew he was going to die, he knew how he was going to die, and more than anything else, he knew when he was going to die. As such, life became a definite countdown to a specific date. Reflecting, Grant thinks to himself, “why not let the hog die without knowing anything” (31). Let him die thinking he is nothing more than an animal. Let him die never having known that he is as much a man as Henri Pichot. But is that really the best way to go? Grant, unable to decide, has reservations himself. “What do I say to him? Do I know what a man is? Do I know how a man is supposed to die? I’m still trying to find out how a man should live. Am I supposed to tell someone how to die who has never lived” (31)? Grant cannot handle it anymore than Jefferson can, despite the fact that Jefferson is nothing more than a hog, and Grant is university educated. Ultimately, Jefferson’s death teaches Grant how to live – how to live like a man – and, Grant’s life teaches Jefferson how to die – how to die like a man. After the execution, Paul tells Grant, “[Jeffereson] was the strongest man in the crowd” (253). And, Grant helped him realize that he was no hog and that he could die like a man. Despite this almost optimistic conclusion to a heart-wrenching story, the ending remains shadowed by a much more devastating reality. Walking along the side of the church, Grant looks at the foundation and thinks to himself, “but now even the cement blocks had sunk so low in the ground that a child losing a marble or a ball under the church had a hard time crawling under there to retrieve it” (248). The faith that this church was built on, the faith of the black community in the quarter, is so undermined that the tangible manifestation of it cannot even stand sturdily on the ground. This church could not save Jefferson. Can it save all of the children praying on their knees in it as he dies? Are they destined to live in the same community where your skin color marks you as an unintelligent hog? This is a story of the racial segregation that haunted the United States, generations after the end of slavery. So, despite the perspective that both men gained – the perspective that allows Jefferson to die with dignity and Grant to live with it – the ending carries a sober overtone because it leaves the reader questioning: who will be next?; as Grant thinks, waiting for the death of his friend, “I could not cry for all of them, could I?
Ernest J. Gaines’s A Lesson Before Dying is a heart-wrenching novel about the injustice of the world, displaying the cruelty of humans in ways more horrific then I could ever imagine. I thought it was a very moving story, and it touched my soul about the true nature of people. Immediately after finishing the book, I felt extreme sadness. To have punishments such as the electric chair put into such a realistic sense shocked me in many ways. First, I was appalled at the blunt terms Mr. Gaines used to display the majority of the white people’s reactions at the injustice of Jefferson. For example, in the story it says; “‘Each and every one of us must live with his own conscience.’ The jury retired, and it returned a verdict after lunch: guilty of robbery and murder in the first degree. The judge commended the twelve men for reaching a quick and just verdict” (8). Second, when Paul was talking with Mr. Wiggins at the end of the story, I felt a tear running down my cheek when Paul described the generator and the sounds it made. Mr. Gaines uses such strong words and feelings in his sentences, stirring many emotions; “‘I heard the two jolts, but I wouldn’t look up. I’ll never forget the sound of that generator as long as I live on this earth’” (254). I felt so many sad reactions at the end of this book, which I feel was exactly what Mr. Gaines wanted his readers to feel. Although I was quite sad, I still liked many things about this book. As I previously mentioned, Mr. Gaines’s use of language is astonishing and moving. I was Grant Wiggins in this book. I felt that generator and heard the jolts. In addition, it was no longer a story I was reading for a Techniques of Writing class. It was reality. I was constantly reminded of history class when we were learning about the Bill of Rights – in particular Amendment 8, which states no cruel and unusual punishment. My eyes opened full now after reading this book, realizing this is not a perfect world. This book is a perfect example of the true meaning of our world, and all the people in it.
While A Lesson Before Dying was very moving, it can be a little confusing. In the jail cell at the end, when Grant tells Jefferson “you’re more of a man than I am, Jefferson” (225), why does Grant say this? To help Jefferson or thinking about his own life? In addition, when Vivian and Grant are talking about Irene and how she is in love with Grant, what is the author’s purpose of putting this in the book? This was a wonderful story worth reading to understand how unfair life really is.
I really enjoyed reading Ernest J. Gaines’ A Lesson Before Dying because it had a very interesting plot. My first reaction to the book was that it has a lot of connections to the world today; the two most obvious ones were racism and the death penalty. Even though racism is not as bad as it was many years ago and during the time period that this book is set in, it still has affects on many races today in some ways that are not as obvious. Also, Ernest Gaines decides to include the controversial idea of using the death penalty as a punishment for crimes. Today some people still question the use of the death penalty because they believe that is inhumane and it goes against the eighth amendment which forbids cruel punishments. But besides the controversial and real world connections, another reaction that I had when I first read the book was why did they immediately accuse Jefferson of shooting Gropé instead of collecting more evidence and seeing who the other men were that were in the store too and their role in the shoot? This led me to wondering why did they decide that Jefferson’s punish would be the death penalty. Where was Jefferson’s lawyer; why did he stay quiet and not speak up for himself and say what really happened? Did he think that no one would believe him? One thing that I did like about the book was how Jefferson’s family tried to change him before he was executed. I liked how they came to visit him every day, talk to him, and bring him food. It showed that they still cared for him no matter what situation he was in. One thing that I did not like was how Wiggins was selfish at first at he did not want to help Jefferson, and I also disliked how Jefferson tended to have a nonchalant attitude when people came to visit him. I think that it would have made him somewhat happier if he interacted with his guest. Overall, I really enjoyed reading A Lesson Before Dying, and I would recommend it to everyone.
A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines is my favorite assigned reading book. When I first started reading, I was immediately attracted to the book. What gets better than a gun shoot out in the first couple of pages? The main characters in the book are Grant, Jefferson, and Miss Emma. Grant is the school teacher in the area, Jefferson is the one who is convicted of murder, and Miss Emma is Jefferson’s aunt. The book is about how Miss Emma wanted Jefferson to die a man. During the trial, the prosecutor called Jefferson a hog, and since he was so weak minded he believed it. As a result, Miss Emma wanted Grant to convince him that he was a man before he died. Throughout the story there are trials and tribulations that Grant and Jefferson go through. In the beginning, Grant did not even think he could handle the responsibility of trying to teach him that he is not a hog, that he is a man. Grant had trouble convincing Jefferson to even talk to him let alone persuade him that he was a man. Grant stressed over getting Jefferson to believe he was a hog. Miss Emma knew he was going to die, but she did not want him to die a hog she wanted him to die a man. “But let us say he was not. Let us for a moment say he was not. What justice would there be to take this life? Justice, gentlemen? Why, I would just as soon put a hog in the electric chair as this” (8). Overall the book is about a young black male who made a decision that ended up costing him his life, and what his loved ones went through to convince him he was a man and not a hog. I have a few questions for this book. For one, what if Jefferson never died? Also, since Miss Emma was trying to make Jefferson a man, what if the prosecutor never called Jefferson a hog? What if Jefferson had never been sentenced to death, like if he was just sentenced to a year or two, how would the story be then?
A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest Gaines takes the reader back on a journey through time. While many people look back nostalgically to times they once knew, in this novel it was just the opposite. By opening the first page and embarking on this journey, we are forced to face a troubled past that leads to an uncertain future. Is life really that black and white? Or are there things that we choose to ignore in order to keep out the shades of gray? When reading this novel, it is easy to jump in and say that all of these white men are horrible people and that everyone else is in the right. However, we fail to mention or describe what time period we are in. Obviously the condemning Jefferson to death with no evidence was immoral and erroneous, but in what context? Would you have done something different if you lived with the ideals of white men in that time period? Would you be valiant enough so stand up against hundreds of your peers? Would you have been willing to risk your own life for Jefferson’s? It is essential to realize that this was not one single case; this was a way of life. It is easy to say that you would have done something different, however, would you have had the means and drive to defy the whole outlook of a society? The young deputy, Paul Bonin, is a prime example of those little shades of gray. He was as bold as anyone would dare be, and in a sense, embodied the message Grant was trying to get across. It is the little things that make you a man instead of an animal. Overall, this was a moving novel that will no doubt stand the test of time. It addressed pressing issues that while, may seemingly be gone, are simply lurking beneath the surface of our sub-consciousness. Through reading this novel we understand what it means to live-and die.
Throughout the book A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines, powerful universal themes have come to light. The book, a touching tale grappling issues like compassion, empathy, and humanity, succeeds in posing questions dealing with religion and strength. The main character, Grant, is a beacon, a metaphor for all those struggling in regards to faith and belief. He visits Jefferson, a man falsely accused of murder, in jail and they become close friends. Grant focuses on trying to explain the importance of Jefferson’s death to Jefferson while he is in jail. The most poignant part of the book in regards to faith is when Jefferson asks Grant if he believes in heaven. To put this in context, Jefferson is at the same time trying to come to terms with his own imminent death. Grant replies that he does not—however, he qualifies this remark by saying that his atheism does not make him a good man. In fact, Grant says, Jefferson will save even Grant’s atheistic soul if he carries the cross for the sinners on earth. Grant in this way explains Jefferson’s importance to the people who will not die, but are there to watch his struggle against injustice. Grant eloquently explains that when Jefferson’s attorney called him a hog, he attacked the will and intelligence of the entire black society. In consequence, Jefferson now has the opportunity to stand up for his community. He has become a symbol to his people, and the manner in which he faces his coming death with affect the progress of his community, black and white, for years to come. This was the first scene I noticed and it was my favorite. However, I wondered what other people thought of this scene? What were their most poignant parts?
A Lesson Before Dying, by Ernest J. Gaines tells the incredible story of an entire community’s fight for morals and the fight against racism. Upon reading the book for the first time I was shocked by my first impressions. I was kind of upset when it came to the beginning of the story. What was so upsetting was the fact that this poor boy, named Jefferson was deemed a hog by society just because of the poor evidence of a white robbery. Racism is a big part of this story that was apparent throughout all situations. For example in the trial there does not have to be sufficient evidence to prove his guiltiness, but only a “ a vague theory based on no evidence.” Furthermore, I really enjoyed many things about the work. I liked the idea of this man, Grant giving up his time and efforts to help Jefferson out and most importantly prove to him that he is a man not a dirty hog. I believe as the story went on, both of the people changed and impacted each other significantly. At first, Grant was slightly selfish, and shy when it came to trying to help Jefferson, but as time went on he began to grow into a new person by standing up and really accepting the fact that he could help someone. Even if he knew the man might die he came to terms that Jefferson needed to realize he was a human being. By that time Jefferson had given up: he never ate the food provided for him, he lay around hopelessly, he was disrespectful towards his family, and he truly believed he was a hog. However, Grant kept trying and trying for a long time to persuade him otherwise. In the end of the story I was so happy to learn that all his hard work paid off after Jefferson began displaying human like qualities and demonstrated he was a man. Unfortunately, the racist white jurors put him to his death. I just wanted to know if people think it is right to put this man to death for false assumptions and even after he proved he was just as much a man as anybody else.
This book is a must read. It has absolutely everything in a great story. Things such as drama, tension, love, and tragedy are all found in A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest Gaines. To add on to the praises, you learn something new in every sentence you read. There are three main reasons why this book was so intriguing to me. First, the racism going on in the story draws the reader in, and it definitely captured my interests. Also, I thoroughly enjoyed the racist remark that Grant had told Jefferson near the ending. Grant had said, “Do you know what a myth is, Jefferson?” I asked him. “A myth is an old lie that people believe in. White people believe that they’re better than anyone else on earth - and that’s a myth” (192). Second, I enjoyed how the story concluded because the moment where Jefferson understood Grant and listened to his advice, made me full of joy. The joy I felt was caused by their unity. The author’s writing style made a connection to me and the characters. Furthermore, the story had made me sympathize with Grant. I felt bad for what Grant had to go through throughout the story. In addition, the way things led up to Jefferson’s death made me very proud of how Jefferson died. Last, I had mixed feelings on how Jefferson treated Grant during the initial half of his visits. It is the hate and love relationship syndrome. Moreover, every time Jefferson disrespected Grant, I could relate to why Jefferson was acting the way he was, it was his pride. Furthermore, there are some things that I am not clear about in some scenes. Why was Grant so hesitant and resistant to help out Jefferson, and why would they convict someone who was at the scene even though he did not commit the crime?
Although it has been a couple of weeks since I last picked up A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines, the book has left a lasting impression on me that not many are capable of. The setting is a community in the south during the 1940’s when racism and prejudice consumed the minds and hearts of both black people and white people. Initially, I was pleased when I realized the plot is somewhat reminiscent of one of my favorite novels, Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, though each book has its own theme and message to deliver. While reading the booking, I found myself liking the main character, Grant Wiggins, less and less. I thought him to be a small man who only felt compassion for certain people. That is not to say that I did not understand his position. On the contrary, the author did a good job in describing, through thoughts and dialogue, how the process of visiting Jefferson broke down his pride; the pride he was only able to achieve through higher learning. One of the more memorable scenes from the book that displays this happening was when Grant had an appointment with a white man. He stood in the man’s kitchen for forty-five minutes, and then an hour. Gaines wrote of the situation flawlessly and I felt myself being outraged for Grant. This scene sent a subtle message about pride and how racism did not always show itself directly to one’s face. Though the characters did not stand out in my mind, something kept me reading A Lesson Before Dying nonstop. I realize now that this was Gaines’s style of writing; saying something without ever actually saying it. His writing keeps the reader thinking and dissecting every word or phrase for deeper meaning. This is why I enjoyed reading A Lesson Before Dying.
Throughout the book A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines, powerful universal themes have come to light. The book, a touching tale grappling issues like compassion, empathy, and humanity, succeeds in posing questions dealing with passion, religion and strength. The main character, Grant, is a beacon, a metaphor for all those struggling in regards to faith and belief. He visits Jefferson, a man falsely accused of murder, in jail and they become close friends. Grant focuses on trying to explain the importance of Jefferson’s death to Jefferson while he is in jail. The most poignant part of the book in regards to faith is when Jefferson asks Grant if he believes in heaven. To put this in context, Jefferson is at the same time trying to come to terms with his own imminent death. Grant replies that he does not—however, he immediately after qualifies this remark by saying that his atheism does not make him a good man. In fact, Grant says, Jefferson will save even Grant’s atheistic soul if he carries the cross for the sinners on earth. Grant in this way explains Jefferson’s importance to the people who will not die, but are there to watch his struggle against injustice. Grant eloquently explains that when Jefferson’s attorney called him a hog, he attacked the will and intelligence of the entire black society. In consequence, Jefferson now has the opportunity to stand up for his community. He has become a new symbol to his people, and the manner in which he faces his coming death with affect the progress of his community, black and white, for years to come. This was the first scene I noticed and it was my favorite. However, I wondered what other people thought of this scene? What were their most poignant parts?
A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines proved to be a heartwarming and heartbreaking novel. When we were first introduced to the book, I was very excited. The title of the book seemed very interesting and from the beginning, I was hooked. What I liked most about the book was the growing relationship between Jefferson and Grant. At first, the two did not get along, but throughout the book they became closer. This relationship entertained me, as a reader, and while reading, I would always want to know how one would react to the other. The novel takes an interesting role on the controversy of racism. By making Jefferson an African-American, the author showed the reader about the times and happenings of that period. Meaning that racism played a huge role during the time Jefferson was convicted. Jefferson was convicted of a crime that he did not do. He was at the wrong place at the wrong time and the seemingly small decision to go with his friends to the liquor store changed his life forever. This novel has many connections to the real world, but one that stood out to me was the idea of a single decision making a huge difference. When Jefferson decided to go to the liquor store, he did not know exactly what was going to happen there. What did happen changed his life immensely. Throughout the world, small decisions end up being the most significant decisions. Someone’s life can be changed within one decision that they have made. Their life can be changed for the worse of for the better. We see this throughout our class subjects in history and humanities. We learn about individuals who make decisions that effect their lives and many other people’s lives as well. The effect can be positive or negative. Do you think that Jefferson’s decision had a positive or negative impact on his life? My thoughts about this question are mixed, considering that this decision had a negative impact on his life because his life was ended, but while dealing with the consequences of his decision, Jefferson created a bond with Grant Wiggins and learned a life lesson.
My first reaction to A Lesson Before Dying was that the book was confusing. This book is not a difficult book to read but in the beginning it was. When the reader first reads the book, the characters are introduced. There were many characters with nicknames which were used in and out of the story in the beginning. Also with the characters, the relationships are also established between the main characters. This was difficult to understand at the beginning because I was already confused with who was who. Even though the beginning confused me, I really enjoyed the book. One of my favorite parts of the book was when Jefferson opens up and writes his thoughts in his notebook from Grant Wiggins. Grant Wiggins kept visiting Jefferson to talk to him but every time he kept bottled up. When Jefferson writes in the notebook, it is like a break through. This part in the book touched me and I cried in response to reading it. Not only was Jefferson’s writing touching and gives a different view point of characters but it is also accurate grammatically. Jefferson was not a well educated man but kind which was represented in his writings in the notebook. Another one of my favorite parts in the book is when Grant Wiggins stand up for Jefferson at the Rainbow Club. It was very interesting how Grant Wiggins knows that the two men were talking about him but it was just buzz sound to him until he realized they were talking negatively about Jefferson. Not only did Grant Wiggins care for Jefferson but he was bold enough to get up and fight the two. I am curious if the author had to do research about the time era and society in general to write this book? A question I have for my peers is that do you think the author cried while writing her own book? I talked to a few other students and they also said they cried while reading this book. Overall, A Lesson Before Dying is a fantastic book to read. It was very entertaining, deep, and meaningful.
The story A Lesson Before Dying by Earnest J. Gaines is about a black man named Grant, who lives and teaches in Louisiana. In the story another black man from Louisiana, named Jefferson, is convicted of murder. However, he claims that he did not commit this crime and says that he just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. Despite this, the jury finds Jefferson guilty, not to mention that the defense attorney called him a hog. Jefferson’s godmother took this name calling to heart and pressures Grant, against his will, into helping Jefferson gain his dignity back and die like a man, not a hog. It takes awhile, but Grant eventually gets through to Jefferson and has succeeded in helping not on Jefferson and his family, but also the community in standing up. I enjoyed reading this story. It had a very interesting plot, including the injustices seen in the court systems during that time period and the bond that grew between Grant and Jefferson. Throughout the entire story I found myself rooting for Grant to keep working at and not give up on supporting Jefferson and for Jefferson to open up to Grant. That is the sign of a good book, when you want to keep reading it because you want to know what will happen next and you are anticipating it. I also liked how in touch the story was with the Louisiana culture, especially during that time period. Earnest J. Gaines got everything from the food to the description of the towns to the language correct, which shows the dedication that he has to make his writing authentic. One aspect that I noticed in the story was the emphasis that they put on the food. Miss Emma brought food for Jefferson all the time as a sign of her love for her, When Jefferson does not eat the food it shows a lot of disrespect to her and Miss Emma takes it personally. Also, Grant makes a big deal out of getting Jefferson the ice cream that he wants before he dies, plus many other examples in the story. Some questions that I have are why did Grant hate living in Louisiana so much and why did he refuse to help out Jefferson for so long? Was he afraid of the responsibility?
When I first picked up A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines, it took a while before I actually got into the book. It seemed like a normal clichéd story of a black person’s wronged punishment, but when I sunk deeper into the story, I saw how it was more about teaching the teacher a lesson instead of Jefferson. I also really appreciated the author’s talent in diverse writing. The teacher and people around him, such as his relatives and the reverend speak perfect English, but Jefferson speaks (and writes) in Ebonics. It amazed me how the author had the talent to pick between the two and do it in a way that made the book flow so evenly—even though it was composed of two vernaculars. I also enjoyed the plot. It seemed to have melancholy qualities to it at first, but this must have been the author’s way of making the story move slowly. I always thought that if I had a time stamp on the day that I was dying, time would go by pretty fast for me, but instead, the time in here passed by very slowly. I finally understand Emily Dickinson’s famous words: “Hour of Lead”. This whole book, although lasting longer than an hour, dragged on in a dark fashion—moving as slowly as any heavy metal like lead would. I have only one question about the book: What was the exact purpose of placing Jefferson’s diary in one of the last chapters? If it was supposed to be a last attempt at somberness—it ultimately failed in my opinion. The writing—although very impressive by showing off the author’s diversity in language—confused me and made the whole chapter extremely hard to read. I want to know why the chapter was so necessary.
Ernest J. Gaines A Lesson Before Dying takes its readers back in time to the days of racial injustice were it was very difficult for minorities to reach the opportunities that they are afforded in today's society. One of the main characters Jefferson is convicted of a crime he did not commit sentenced to death and is called a hog because that is what he represents during those times a young black man illiterate and good for nothing but doing the dirty work. Ms. Emma, Jefferson's god-mother, is an elderly woman that is very aware of the situation her god-son is in and has accepted the consequences but, her main goal is for her god-son to die a man and not a hog. Grant, a teacher who has seen it all, is used to these situations. However he is not used to being given the job of making an illiterate and ignorant man, Jefferson, have the mindset of a man and not a hog. In the real world these situations are not as open as the used to be but there are still hints of racial injustice everywhere. In Arizona people are stopped just by the way they look and asked for when immigration papers when the could have very well been born in the United States just like anyone else. This is clearly a different plot and ending but the same concept and ideas. Based on the way someone looks or the color of their skin they are stereo-typed and criticized. My first reaction was it was no different than other stories I have heard about on the radio, movies and news or read about in history books. However, I was eager to see what were the thoughts of people that were put in these situations. What I liked about A Lesson Before Dying was the authenticity and the straight forward truth. It showed the racial tension occurring in the south during the early nineteen hundreds.
In the book A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines, a book that may seem daunting to the first time reader. The story it tells can be hard to handle and is very straight to the point. This leads to a gloomy atmosphere over the book, one that can make it hard for a reader to start the book. The story follows a teacher in the South, Grant, someone who has seen the pain and suffering that often comes from being poor and illiteracy. Another major character, Jefferson, is an African-American on trial for murder, in front of an all white jury. Even though up to this point Grant managed to justify looking beyond the problems that were obviously so wrong, but when Jefferson is convicted unfairly and immorally as a scapegoat for the real people who are guilty, in which he finds the strength to take on the status queue of sorts in the south, helping Jefferson to find himself even as he waits for his execution. For a reader to read about such themes as discovering oneself and doing the right thing keeps the writer interested and turning the pages, as most people can relate at least somewhat to the themes. Furthermore, the story has strong moral lessons, something that shows the reader not only how the author wants it to be read, but also allows the reader to come to his or her own conclusions through their experience. By the end of the book, Jefferson finds that he must stand up for the injustices he faced throughout the process, not only done by his lawyer, who calls him a pig at his own trial, or the jury, that convicts him, but also by society at large. Through these injustices he ended up on deaths door due to a crime he didn’t commit. The story that is told is far greater than the story of right and wrong, of Grant, a person who has ignored the suffering for way too long and finally helps to dictate and advise Jefferson, and of the court system, working so diligently to put a man to death simply because it was the easier thing to do, but rather deeper rooted as a story told about being what you can be in light of even the harshest circumstances. I have been wondering why Reverend Ambrose would call Grant uneducated? And whether you think either Jefferson or Grant is a hero.
I really enjoyed reading Ernest J. Gaines’ A Lesson Before Dying because it had a very interesting plot. My first reaction to the book was that it has a lot of connections to the world today; the two most obvious ones were racism and the death penalty. Even though racism is not as bad as it was many years ago and during the time that this book is set in, it still has effect on many races today in some ways that are not as obvious. Also, Ernest Gaines decides to include the controversial idea of using the death penalty as a punishment for crimes. Today some people still question the use of the death penalty because they believe that is inhumane, and it goes against the eighth amendment which forbids cruel punishments. But besides the controversial and real world connections, another reaction that I had when I first read the book was why did they immediately accuse Jefferson of shooting Gropé instead of collecting more evidence and seeing who the other men were that were in the store too and their role in the shoot? This led me to wondering why did they decide that Jefferson’s punish would be the death penalty? Where was Jefferson’s lawyer; why did he stay quiet and not speak up for himself and say what really happened? Did he think that no one would believe him? One thing that I did like about the book was how Jefferson’s family tried to change him before he was executed. I liked how they came to visit him every day, talk to him, and bring him food. It showed that they still cared for him no matter what situation he was in. One thing that I did not like was how Wiggins was selfish at first at he did not want to help Jefferson, and I also disliked how Jefferson tended to have a nonchalant attitude when people came to visit him. I think that it would have made him somewhat happier if he interacted with his guest. Overall, I really enjoyed reading A Lesson Before Dying, and I would recommend it to everyone.
"A Lesson Before Dying" by Ernest Gaines is one of the more emotional books I have read. The book discusses the struggles of a young, black, illiterate man who is convicted of a crime he did not do. The officials regarded him as nothing more than a hog. His godmother,Miss Emma, was at peace with the fact that he was to be killed. The only thought that troubled her was her godson dying as a 'hog' rather than a human being. Her godson, Jefferson, had a hard time grasping the value of dignity and integrity. When Grant, an educated African American teacher, approached Jefferson with the ideal of dignity, Jefferson pessimistically stated that dignity was for "youmans" not hogs. Every human being was born a human and should die one as well. The component of dignity in the book correlates with the strongest of my personal values: dignity. The fact that Miss Emma was fighting for her godson's dignity rather than his life showed her dedication to the principle of dignity. My first reaction to the book was that it was going to be sad, hence its title. After reading chapter after chapter, my emotions ranged from sadness to anger, and then to inspiration. A good book to me, is one that can make me reflect on myself and one that can bring out my emotions. Rather than death or disaster bringing about some of my many emotions, the simple demand for dignity captured my emotions. It is truly humbling when you encounter a mother-figure in a book that, in nature, would primarily protect her young's life over his integrity. This raised questions in my mind; Am I selfish for often regarding material things over self values? Or do I know the actual meaning of dignity rather than the cliche' definition? Needless to say, values are far more important than anything one can buy. That is, what I believe, "Lesson Before Dying." The one question that lingered in my mind several weeks after I finished reading the book is if Jefferson would have lived his last moments thinking of himself as nothing greater than a hog if it had not been for Miss Emma and Grant. I cannot image a human having to respect for his or her self up until the day of death. I would recommend this book to any school for summer reading for the reason that personal values are significant things that many young people lack. Reading this book would, hopefully, teach core values to the young people who read it.
A Lesson Before Dying, by Ernest J. Gaines, is an enjoyable book not only because of the suspense, but also because of the chance to experience of the African-American community in Louisiana. At the beginning of the book, it is easy to tell that Grant, a teacher, is not used to doing big favors for others. As a result, Grant tried to refuse to visit Jefferson, a young black man who was convicted of murder, in jail as Jefferson's grandmother asked him to. My first reaction to the book was that it was going to be exciting to read, but at the same time depressing. Somehow, I knew that the book was going to be depressing at some point because Jefferson was going to be given the death penalty. However, after reading the first chapter, the book seemed interesting because of the plot that was about to unfold. Just the fact that a "crime" was committed attracted me because I like suspense. Although I was excited to read the book at first, there was a point close to the beginning where I felt it would get boring. It had been a while since I read a book that grabbed my attention throughout the whole story, so I was not expecting this book to be consistent. Indeed, I was proved wrong when I read on. I liked this book because it seemed historically accurate and it almost made me think it was a true story. I also liked the book because Grant. I liked the fact that he did not automatically obey Jefferson's grandmother and his aunt, and that he was hesitant about visiting Jefferson. This created some tension in the book and led me to expect the unexpected. One of my questions for the book was if Jefferson was not on the death penalty but in jail for most of his life time, would he act the same way as he did in the book? Also, was Grant visiting the jail to help Jefferson, please Jefferson's grandmother, or both?
Ernest J. Gaines’s novel, A Lesson Before Dying is an emotional and captivating book set in Louisiana. I was very excited to read this book because I had heard about it from other people before. Reading it was just as interesting as I thought it would be. It starts off with Jefferson, a black man, going to a liquor store accompanied by two men. While inside the store the two men and the store owner began to argue and a shootout occurred. Jefferson was the only man alive by the end of it. Jefferson was tried and pronounced guilty of the deaths and was to be executed, truly giving the saying “Being at the wrong place at the wrong time” a perfect example. At the trial Jefferson was called a hog. His godmother, Miss Emma, overhears this and wants grant, an educated Black man, to teach Jefferson that he is not a hog so that he can exit this world as a man. Grant does not want to do this but soon accepts because his aunt Tante Lou pressures him to do it. Grant meets with Jefferson for about an hour each time. At the beginning, he received no progress with Jefferson, but as the story continued Jefferson started to open up. This was apparent after Grant gave Jefferson a notebook to write his thoughts in. As Jefferson’s death grows nearer more and more people from town start to visit him and he realizes that his death is not just meaningless. On his execution date, Grant does not go to watch him die because he has gotten close to Jefferson. At the school where Grant teaches, deputy tells grant that the execution was over and he cries. I really enjoyed this book because I felt really close towards it. The most emotional part of the book was when Jefferson was executed and grant started to cry. I liked this part of the book best because it did not have to explain the execution process for the reader to feel very sad about what was happening. I also liked this part because it moved me to the point where I too shed some tears. A question I have is if trials and stories like this were common back when racism was still very common?
The book A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines was an interesting read. My first reaction was that the aunt took the death sentence of Jefferson so well.Also, that the aunt cared more for the fact that Jefferson was called a hog then the death sentence. Then she wanted him educated so that he can die a man, not as an animal. The part I like the most in the book, is when the aunt states, “‘I don’t want them to kill no hog,’...‘I want a man to go to that chair, on his own two feet.’”(13)I like this part because she wants him to die equal footing to any man in the world. In addition, she wants him to understand the world, people, and other things in life. The part I do not like is the fact that Jefferson dies in the end even though it was known to happen. I do not like this because he dies, for being in the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong people.I do not have any questions at this time about the book.
The book A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines was a story that kept me on the edge of my seat even though I could predict some fore coming events: the author was very adept in his use of tension to keep the reader hooked and waiting for the next event. Additionally the author built strong emotional connections between the reader and several main characters like Jefferson, and Grant. This made the book even more intense and realistic. Another thing the author does that installs a sense of validity to the story is how he develops the setting. Ernest J. Gaines makes use of specific details about the state of Louisiana’s culture, like the importance, everyday value, and symbolism of food. For example, when Grant turns down his aunt’s meal she is extremely insulted. The last meal of Jefferson is also very symbolic. Another thing that I liked a lot about A Lesson Before Dying were the allusions to Christianity and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ: Jefferson dies for a cause and he dies nobly. The story also draws out the injustice in court systems of Louisiana and the entire south, a constant theme. This injustice made me, and most definitely Jefferson, feel hopeless and depressed: but Jefferson first through his naiveté, then through his intelligence sees the good he can do by dying boldly. Nevertheless by the end of the story I felt downhearted like I lost a friend. Some questions I have are: Why do Grant and Vivian stay in the depressing Louisiana community for so long if they are so miserable living there?, Why was Grant so reluctant to teach Jefferson?, Was there any case that the defense could have made that would prove Jefferson innocent?, and How would the story have been different if Grant had not taught Jefferson, what impact would it have on the reader? Overall the book was great, but very sad.
Ernest J. Gaines’s A Lesson Before Dying is a moving story about the sad but true struggle of racism and death. It is focused on a young black man named Jefferson who is convicted of murder due to the fact that he was the only survivor at a tragic liquor store shooting. A plantation school teacher, Grant Wiggins, is faced with the decision to either run far away to reject everything that just happened with Jefferson and the murder, or to visit Jefferson daily in his cell and turn him into a “man” instead of a hog the court thinks he is. This story was very heart-breaking, but it was also very deep, interesting and moving, therefore I am glad I was able to get the chance to read this book. It is unfortunate to know that what is happening in the story, racism, is still present in our world today. In the beginning, I did not understand who was who, and who the speaker was in the story. It was not until later on in the story that I realized Grant was the main character telling the story and I understood the relationships between everyone. While reading the book, I became very interested in what was going on which helped me really get into the book instead of just having to read another one of those boring school assigned books. I was excited to find out Grant decided to help Jefferson and I couldn’t wait to find out what would happen between them and if they would create a strong bond during their time together in the cell. I began to think like Grant, “What do you say to someone who knows he is going to die? He doesn’t want me here in the first place, so why do I always have to visit him just to watch him sit there and stare at the walls? If he doesn’t want to learn, why teach him?” These are all questions that initially came into my head until I continued reading and saw that Jefferson was finally able to interact during his visits from Grant and he even began to write his thoughts in a notebook, although without much writing knowledge. Grant was put in a difficult and scary situation. I couldn’t imagine how it felt for Jefferson to have to go through all he did just to be put to death by electrocution, and for Grant to have to go through this struggle with him knowing Jefferson was going to die and having to watch it in the end. My closing thoughts were “Do you think Grant learned anything from this tragic experience and if so what did he learn? And could Grant be considered a hero after everything he has gone through with Jefferson? Why or why not?”
A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines was a morally and ethically thought provoking book. At the start of this story we see the trial of a young man named Jefferson. Jefferson is a poor African-American who was in the wrong place at the wrong time and ended up taking the heat for the murder of a local man. His defense attorney calls him a pig in his own trial. He is found guilty and is sentenced to death in the electric chair. The main character of this story is Grant Wiggins, a young African-American teacher in the town. He is sent by his aunt to go to the jail and turn Jeffeson from a pig into a man. Grant has to try and explain to Jefferson that his death could bring pride to his family and hope to others who are oppressed by society like him. Grant must do this while trying to come to grips with the current state of his life. Grant struggles with the fact that he is doomed to fall into the same cycle as those who came before him as he watches it drag others into its embrace. Jefferson becomes a man in the end and goes to the chair with his head held high. He had become the man his family could be proud of. I thought this book was going to be a little slow to read at first. I was right but I did enjoy reading it. I thought the message was powerful. It was interesting to see an author tackle topics like dying with honor, the examples we set, and how society's bias affects our lives. I did have a few questions though. Did Jefferson's death affect anyone else immediately? How could Grant break the cycle without forcing someone else into it? The last question eludes me because he wants to leave so badly but then he would become his parents and leave someone like himself behind causing someone else to go through the cycle.
Wow! This dynamic story was interesting to me for a number of reasons, but mainly for its reality and grit. We hear very often of this time the book takes place in, of its institutionalized racism and treatment of minorities, but very rarely do we ever get a glimpse of the emotional damage living in such a society creates. I could see this damage the most when Gaines showed it to me. He showed us when Jefferson speaks, how he accepts the labels placed on him and the (for want of a better term) form of depression that has fallen on the un-educated, subjugated population of the town. Mostly, he shows it by the interactions between Whites and Blacks. Those sections were hard for me to read. It was painful, made me squirm, to see Grant, an educated man of deep awareness being forced to play the part of the grateful servant to Henri Pichot. Those pages where Grant is waiting in someone's kitchen or tarnishing his grammar were difficult to read and I only felt immense frustration towards his situation; things that are simply accepted today and are truly facts (all men are created equal) could not be processed through the minds of some.
I also saw realism in Grant's character. While I acknowledge he did good things, I do not think he is a likable person. This may be because of his situation, the bitterness he feels because he is forced to teach though he is qualified for 'higher' work, or perhaps simply because of who he is, but when he interacted with his students or even his girlfriend, I felt he was not a kind person. He showed no compassion for the students, and, in his scenes with Vivian, he seemed to act selfishly and with little regard for her existing life.
There are still some things I am confused about, like, Why was Grant so mean to his students? Did Grant really care for Vivian? Another thing I noticed was, every time a "mulatto" was mentioned, that character was negative, just a terrible person. Why did Gaines choose to portray "mulattos” like that? And, lastly, What was the real turning point for Jefferson that gave him pride and respect for his family?
Upon reading A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines, I was immediately hooked to the story’s first sentence, not only does it prepare the reader for an intense and emotional journey, but a journey full of racism, prejudice, identity, honor, and discrimination. The sentence, “I was not there, yet I was there” (3) grabs the attention of readers; therefore, the reader is forced to keep reading and find out what is exactly meant, by which is explained in the second sentence, “no, I did not go to trial, I did not hear the verdict, because I knew all the time what it would be” (3). Moreover, the racism and discrimination that existed is clearly evident as the narrator automatically knows what is going to happen, he certainly knows that racism and discrimination against African- Americans is overpowering and greater than justice. A Lesson Before Dying is a captivating tale of a man who has been falsely persecuted for killing Mr. Grope, a white, store keeper. When presented in front of a panel of white jury, not only was he mocked and ridiculed, but above all, treated as an animal. For example, when the defense attorney belittled Jefferson by calling him a “boy”, no, a “hog”. Was this not inhumane? As the story progresses, Miss Emma, Jefferson’s aunt wants Grant, a teacher, to enlighten Jefferson, to remind him that he is not a “hog”, he is a “man”, and will die like a “man”. In addition, Grant, at first, seems selfish and hesitant; he does not want to talk to Jefferson and constantly complains to his Tante Lou. Perhaps he was not after all selfish-but sacred. Nevertheless, Grant continues to visit Jefferson, despite the insults and solitude-he still goes. Also, an inconsiderate might ask, “Why is there so mush dispute over the calling of a hog”. However, here is where honor plays in, no one wants to be belittled, mocked or ridiculed, so, if Jefferson is going to die, should he not die like a descent man? Should he be dragged, or should he prove he is a man, by accepting this false punishment and walking himself? Above all, does anyone, regardless of race/ethnicity, gender, or religion, be discriminated and disrespected? According to Miss Emma, Jefferson was going to die as a man and Grant, was going to remind Jefferson of it. Furthermore, after reading this heartwarming novel, I finally realized that we live in a world, in which racism and discrimination still exists and will always exists. Therefore, there is conflict everywhere. Moreover, I liked the story’s realism; the story is written in such a detailed way, that one could probably infer that it was a real episode in someone’s life. Additionally, I really enjoyed and embraced learning about the struggles that many African-Americans, at one point, must have felt, of course, I was appalled and remained in melancholy. Lastly, I have one final question, if Jefferson had not been quiet during the first visits, would this have impacted the overall drama and effect that the story tried to convey? Overall, A Lesson Before Dying has been one of the most moving books I have ever read, this book was able to emotionally move me the way very few books do.
A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines is a powerful story about life, death, and racism. The tale is about an African-American man, Grant Wiggins, who is asked to teach another African American, Jefferson, about life and “manhood.” Jefferson is sentenced to death because he has been accused of killing three men. Initially, I thought that this story was very influential and moving. I was, however, surprised by the ending. In my opinion, the story should have ended with Jefferson somehow surviving. This would have been a satisfactory ending because a man’s life would have been saved. In addition, Grant would have gotten revenge against all the white men who thought that Jefferson deserved to die. I realize, of course, that Jefferson died so that the story would be realistic. It would have been very unlikely for the sentence to change, especially for a black man during the 1940s. One part of the book which I thought was very interesting was the author’s choice to include parts of Jefferson’s diary. Although it was difficult to read, it was interesting to see the story from Jefferson’s point of view. It was also very sad to read that part of the book because the end of Jefferson’s life was portrayed using the diary, and so the reader read Jefferson’s last thoughts. This part of the book was challenging to read because Jefferson was not a good speller, and therefore, it was often hard to understand what he was trying to say. Moreover, Jefferson used a lot of slang which I did not really understand. Overall, the author achieved the desired effect; I was touched by Jefferson’s view of the world. I felt as if I connected with the character and saw the entire situation through his point of view. However, I did not always connect with Jefferson. Although he was sentenced to die, I felt that he was being unnecessarily incorporative with his godmother’s wishes. I realize that this viewpoint may seem naïve, but when he tried to purposely mess with Grant, who was just trying to help, and “knelt down on the floor and put his head inside the bag and started eating, without using his hands. He even sounded like a hog” (83), I thought he was being pointlessly rude toward Grant and toward his own godmother. I have several questions about the book. For one, how would the novel have changed if Jefferson had been saved at the end? Was Jefferson ever really a “hog”? And finally, was Jefferson a man at the end of the book?
Taken as a whole, this book was an interesting, controversial read. I was shocked at the racism which was portrayed in the book, and it angers me to think that there were humans who felt superior to others in as recent times as the 1940s. It makes me wonder if there are people out there who still feel that way today.
Normally, when a teacher assigns a book to read, I find myself falling asleep while reading it, or I just do not read it. But reading A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines, I found myself taking the book with me everywhere so I could read it whenever time allowed me to. I reading enjoyed reading this novel for multiple reasons. First, once I opened the book, I found myself caught in the intense scenes. The book started off with a murder and robbery scene and from then on, the book continued to be as captivating. This scene also caught my attention because I am a huge fan of “Law and Order” and this opening scene reminded me so much of it. It had a trail and murder that needed to be solved.
In addition, I enjoyed reading this book because a lot of controversial themes were present in the story. An example of this was when the jury along with the judge did not believe what Jefferson was telling them solely on the color of this skin. This is controversial because the whole point of a trail is to find what actually happened but you will never be able to achieve that if you are blinded by color. Also, this shows how corrupt the government was if you were not white; and the government is supposed to serve justice but they are doing the complete opposite.
Second, this novel was also a pleasure to read because I could see myself in Jefferson’s shoes. I felt empathy for him because we share a lot in common. An example of this is that my loved ones and people around me also think that I need a lot more character building and that in Jefferson’s case, I need to, ‘change from a hog to a man.’ I also felt empathy because I always seem to find myself in situation were I am accused of doing something I know I am innocent of; although they are not a serious as Jefferson accusations.
Third, I enjoyed reading this book because it showed that during the racial times that were going on in the book, you can always find good in a person. Grant Wiggins, a white Sunday school teacher, was not willing to help Jefferson make the transition of becoming a hog to man, but when he began to be committed to it; you saw that white people can actually connect and understand blacks and that was uncommon during this time period. In conclusion, I wanted to know that if Jefferson’s life had been spared, would it have changed the meaning of the story and would it still have had the same affect on the reader?
The novel, A Lesson Before Dying by Earnest Gaines tells a complicated story about injustice, racism and the need for second chances. Upon first glance, I thought of this novel as just another book we had to read for school. I never thought I would actually enjoy reading it. is about the ways in which people insist on declaring the value of their lives in a time and place in which those lives count for nothing. It is about the ways in which the imprisoned may find freedom even in the moment of their death. All the characters in A Lesson Before Dying are motivated by a single word: “hog.” Jefferson’s attorney has compared him to a hog; Miss Emma wants Grant to prove that her godson is not a hog; and Jefferson at first eats the food she has sent him on his knees, because “that’s how an old hog eat.” Grant’s task is to affirm that Jefferson is not a hog, but a man. The mission is doubly difficult because Grant isn’t sure he knows what a man is. How exactly can someone change another person into something that he has yet to understand? I wonder if a white man was to commit the same crime would he be called a hog. It is just a thought in my head, but in reality I do not think he would. This just shows the discrimination that whites had for blacks in those days, and some today. For the entire novel’s religious symbolism, the central character is a man without faith. Grant’s refusal to attend church has deeply hurt his aunt and antagonized Reverend Ambrose, whose religion Grant at first dismisses as a sham. Yet at the novel’s climax he admits that Ambrose “is braver than I,” and he has his pupils pray in the hours before Jefferson’s death. What kind of faith does Grant acquire in the course of this novel? I have grown up being taught to believe without seeing-faith. If we do not have faith at all, how can we continue to live in this society? We have to believe something, and the things that we believe are not always clear. As we examine the scenes involving Grant and Tante Lou, Grant and Vivian, and Jefferson and Miss Emma, we see that women play a significant role in the novel. In what ways do these interactions reflect the roles of black women within their families and in African-American society? Whenever I read, I love to see how women effect the situations. I feel that the women in the novel make things more interesting and a lot more relative to me. No I cannot say that I have been in the same situations as the women in this novel, but I wonder what it would be like to stand in their shoes. I am not sure I would have handled the situations any differently. Overall, this novel was very enjoyable. Not only did it teach me about the racial injustice that people experienced, it kept me interested the whole time.
While not paying much attention to the scenery, colors, cover page, etc. of the novel A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines at first glance, the title, alone, caught my complete attention. The title itself made me very curious as to what the author meant by “a lesson before dying.” I was so engaged and curious about what the book was about that I actually turned the book to the back cover and began reading the synopsis to get a better understanding of what the main idea and plot of the novel was. After I was finished reading the synopsis, I knew that the novel was going to be a phenomenal read. The author, Ernest Gaines, wants the reader to feel compassion for the young black man and main character, Jefferson, whom jurors convict for a murder he did not commit. Nor can readers ignore the personal struggles of Grant Wiggins as he teaches Jefferson to be a man. Jefferson’s attorney has compared him to a hog; Miss Emma, Jefferson’s godmother, wants Grant to prove that her godson is not a hog and if he has to die, she wanted him to die a man; Although I understand why his godmother wanted him to die a man, my question is why did she just accept the fact that he was going to be sentenced to death and not try to prevent that from happening? Nevertheless, I love and admire how this was not a based on a true story type of novel, but Gaines wrote in a way that made the story so believable, emotional, and exemplary that I literally wanted to read this book without ever putting it down. Moreover, he depicts his characters with such a great use of traits and characteristics that help with developing life-like characters and situations. Gaines’s themes reveal universal truths. He demonstrates that racism destroys people; relationships suffer from people’s choices; and pride, honor, and manhood can prevail in trying times. To say the least, this novel was a great example of a well written and moving piece of writing.
A Lesson Before Dying is Ernest J. Gaines’s exquisitely written novel about a young black male, Grant Wiggins, who, at the request of a family friend, teaches another young black male, Jefferson, what it means to be a man. This is a novel that will constantly have the reader absorbed in the heartbreaking plot. My first reaction to this book, before I even started reading it, was that it was the typical story about what happens to an African-American during the times of segregation. I predicted what the ending was like. I was right, but I was also wrong. As I became further engrossed in the book, I realized that the book was much more than what I thought it was. The one quote that has stuck with me ever since I read the book is spoken by Miss Emma. She says, “They called my boy a hog . . . I didn’t raise no hog, and I don’t want no hog to go set in that chair. I want a man to go set in that chair”. This is a powerful quote that really helps the reader to understand why Miss Emma is requesting that, before he dies, Jefferson is taught by Grant. I also love how Mr. Gaines depicts Grant. On one hand, he is an independent man who makes his own decisions, but on the other hand, he still has some dependency on his aunt. For example, he has a relationship with Vivian unbeknownst to his aunt. However, he is still living in her household and respectfully obeys her. He ended up teaching Jefferson without his opinion effecting the decision. The decision was made by his aunt. Surprisingly, I do not have any questions that I would like to ask about the book. However, to answer Kelsea’s second question, I think that A Lesson Before Dying would have had a better denouement if Jefferson had not died because it would have showed the change that happened in the period of time from the date Jefferson’s sentencing to his execution date. Also, to answer Stephanie’s first question, they automatically accused Jefferson of shooting Gropé because he was the only one left alive, and in their racist society, they had to blame someone for shooting Gropé. With the other two African-Americans dead, it would be useless to actually find out which one of them did it and accuse him. So, they put the death of a white man on someone else. That someone else just happened to be Jefferson who was in the wrong place, at the wrong time, and with the wrong people. Also, Jefferson’s lawyer did speak up in defense of Jefferson. Once. From the bottom of page 7 to the bottom of page 8, is Jefferson’s lawyer’s speech to the jury. He said that Jefferson was to dumb to plan a murder and robbery because of his ancestral history. He also basically said that Jefferson was not a man, but actually a boy. He tried to point out to the jury that Jefferson was Miss Emma’s only reason for living. Yet, did the jury listen? No. Jefferson was still sentenced to death. Why? Because life is unfair. It has always been unfair, but it was especially unfair to African-American males during segregation. Despite A Lesson Before Dying creating so many questions, this is one of the most amazing and well written novels I have ever read
My first response to A Lesson Before Dying was anger towards the book. I thought it was so unfair that Jefferson, a young black man was accused of murder. I had great compassion and sympathy for Jefferson. Just because he was black and he lived in the south where slavery existed did not mean that he was capable of committing murder. Some people might say, “He was at the wrong place at the wrong time”. How was he supposed to know something like that would happen to him? Also, I tried not to be biased about the situation and looked at it from another perspective. Jefferson was the only survivor and he was black. Racism still existed in the south so off course he would be blamed. To add on to that, there was an all white jury. Knowing this information made it even worse. Even before the jury came with a verdict, I knew that Jefferson would be falsely accused. As soon as they announced it I was not at all shocked. Jefferson and his family knew he was going to die. That was such a sad moment in the story. What I was confused about was why his family wanted Jefferson to die a man. What difference does it makes? He is still going to die either way. What does he dying a man or a teen have to do with anything? The question that I have is that would the story have had less impact if Jefferson had not died and how would it be different if Grant had never taught Jefferson before he died. This book was so emotional for me. I kept connecting this story to real life situations. There is still racism in this world and still unfairness going on. It baffles me how things will never change and how race play a huge role in human society.
A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines was an outstanding book, with so many twisted tones that sometimes you will never know how the story would end. A Lesson Before Dying is about a teacher name Grant, who tries to turn a convicted person, Jefferson, into a man before he dies. This books takes people on a road were you never would expect to go while reading a book. Usually while reading a book, you will expect that the story would end on a good note, but you do not for this book. In this story, there is always a hope in the book of your mind that tells you that Jefferson would live, even though you know for sure that that will not be the outcome. Even though Jefferson did not live, he still learns A Lesson Before Dying, which was to never let someone persuade you into thinking that you are lesser than what you are.A Lesson Before Dying was one of the most touching book that Jasmen has ever read. There was many part of the story that Jasmen was very poignant about. First, Jefferson was convicted of a murder that he did not do, and was being killed for it. Second, it was very shameful how a person can call someone an animal, and they know that they are not one. Last, it was very repugnant how Jefferson let someone else make him believe that he was an animal, and that he did not deserve to live. This book made Jasmen have a lot of emotions at the same time. .
Even thought this was a very good book Jasmen still his questions on it. First, why does Jefferson’s grandmother cares so much to prove that Jefferson is not a hog? Second, what is the real reason why Grant does not go to church anymore? Last, why is Grants death so important to the community? This book took Jasmen through a new experience, and she has learned one important lesson before dying.
Ernest J. Gaines book, A Lesson Before Dying , tells the tale of Jefferson, a young black man in the South, who must become a man before he dies. The novel deeply ties itself to the time, by telling of the racism often confronted and search for honor that were constantly present during this period. Jefferson, a man who from the moment he stepped in front of his jury lost any and all freedom, must come to terms with what being a man is and how to die with respect. With the help of the Grant, a teacher who has become numb to the travesties occurring around him, Jefferson learns the pride of living and dying as a man. Jefferson is not the only person who benefits from this unlikely partnership, Grant also feels adverse effects of his heart slowly warming from its frozen form he had known previously, all because of the trying experience.
Gaines also explains his views on a deeper meaning in life through his characters giving the narrative a simple, yet philosophical aspect to it. The deep and seemingly endless commentary on morals and justice worm their way into the binding of the book and place themselves atop Gaines' characters, each representing a different perspective and motive. Is using a young colored man to justify murder correct? Gaines begs for a differentiation of political morality and self morality, in a society where it is not clear which morals should be abided by. Gaines constantly weaves these questions and views into the complex, but seemingly simple, narrative. Gaines also goes on to prove that a literary master piece does not have to be anything fancy or overdone, simply a piece of relatable writing that makes the reader consider deeper thoughts and ideas, while keeping an economic storyline that grabs the readers attention and kindles even the most distracted readers. Gaines proves himself a literary master with his simple command of the language that makes this story so interesting and moving.
The story, "A Lesson Before Dying" by Ernest J. Gaines is a story about a black boy by the name of Jefferson who had come of age while determining his own identity. This story takes essential elements of Southern life in older times, such as racism and prejudice in order to affect the main characters in the story. Jefferson was convicted of murder of a liquor store clerk was put on trial in order to save him from the death penalty. In order to have a chance of not being charged the death penalty. In Jefferson’s defense, his lawyer had to demoralize him in order to make it seem that he was a poor black boy who had no mind and no capabilities to commit a crime, let alone murder. The defense called him a “pig” and wouldn’t address him as a person. As his grandmother’s last wish for him, she got another main character, Mr. Grant, to help him become a man. Mr. Grant was a teacher, disappointed about his job and the fact that he, being black, was stuck in the South in a dead end town, full of racism and prejudice. He was also in love with another teacher who was in the middle of a divorce settlement and had four children already. Although very disconnected to Jefferson’s grandmother and Jefferson alike, Mr. Grant then turns over a new leaf by helping Jefferson. Jefferson also learns what his destiny is that he is living on as an inspiration for other blacks who are viewed as inferior and less than human by taking his punishment, like a man, despite the race. First off, upon being notified by “Young Tro” that the junior class had to read this book in order to participate in a televised discussion on it, I took it as another opportunity to skim through a book in order to not be in a class. Upon reading this book, however, I found myself actually becoming engaged into the story’s plot. The story was a great tale of coming of age of being a minority facing prejudice and racism. Although this story does give off a sort of stereotypical type feel to it, by talking about black boys getting sent off to jail because they come from broken homes and then learns that he can be a real man without crime and no matter what else others say. This story does make me raise two questions. First, could any of the strained relationships in Mr. Grant’s character sketch affect the way that he treated his students and Jefferson? Second, is it possible that if Jefferson was not convicted, would he be considered as a man then or would people still view him as a “pig”?
Earnest J. Gaines’s A Lesson Before Dying is a captivating and moving story, which made me reflect on my way of life. The book tells the story of Grant Wiggins and Jefferson, two, very different, black men, who learn a whole new way of viewing the world from one another. Jefferson is convicted of murder and it is Grant’s job to make jefferson “a man” before he is executed. My first reaction to the book was akin to shock. It was nothing like anything I had ever read before. I did not even know what “the quarter” was when I started the book. Gaines taught me a lot, not only about the culture of a black neighborhood in the South in the 1940’s, but about the difference between being stuck somewhere and being there by choice, because it is where you make a difference. Grant, at the beginning of the novel, is desperately unhappy with his job as teacher and with the town he lives in. He is itching to run away, off to some place more exciting with his girlfriend, Vivian. However, as the the story progresses and he learns more and more from Jefferson, Grant begins to have a different perspective, one that makes him much happier. Grant starts thinking of his place in the quarter as a privilege rather than an enslavement. In addition to what I learned about appreciating where you are, I learned about what it means to be strong, by simply being what others do not expect. For instance, when Jefferson is first in the cell, he acts as the white people want and expect him to act: stupid and ornery. In contrast, almost to the end of his life Jefferson stands tall and proud, both for his god mother and for all black men. When Jefferson was polite and loving to his mother, and when he walked pridefully to his death, the white men were proven wrong, and all people were given an example of what it meant to be truly strong. All in all, I thought it was and excellent book.
The novel, A Lesson Before Dying , by Ernest J Gaines is a bitter-sweet story of a man named Grant Wiggins and his struggle to instill a sense of dignity in a poor, dim-witted fellow black man, who was wrongly accused of a crime. During the trial, lawyers trying to defend Jefferson stated that he was a pig, not capable of planning the crime of which he was accused. Given the indignities that Jefferson has faced his entire life, he takes to heart the statement that he is nothing more than a hog. In contrast, Grant Wiggins is a well educated black man living in the South. Miss Emma, Jefferson’s godmother, wants Grant to take Jefferson out of that mind frame and have Jefferson proud that he is a man, not a hog. At the urging of his aunt, who is a friend of Miss Emma, Grant Wiggins eventually agreed to take on the task of enlightening Jefferson to his true worth. Consequently, Grant goes to visit Jefferson in jail. Although it is a struggle, Grant ends up learning much more than he could ever have expected. I believe that Grant’s jail visits to Jefferson benefitted them mutually. Grant was hesitant at first, not even wanting to go at all, but by the fourth visit Grant began to learn about Jefferson’s tragic life. In that fourth encounter, Jefferson reveals to Grant that all he wants for his last meal is a gallon of vanilla ice cream. The friendship blossomed from there, and unexpectedly enriched Grant’s life, as well as helped Jefferson see his self-worth. In addition, the strength that Jefferson showed in the face of death became a source of strength for the entire community. Thus, proving to Grant that a black man in a whit community could make a difference.
Ernest Gaines' A Lesson Before Dying is a novel of self-discovery, responsibility and redemption. The novel centers on the relationship between Grant Wiggins, a local teacher, and Jefferson, a young black man falsely convicted of murder. Their rapport evolves and strengthens as Grant grows as a person. When the two first meet Grant is a faithless, resentful man, reluctant to teach Jefferson to "die like a man". While Jefferson is a sullen, withdrawn man believing himself to be no better than a hog. However, as the novel progresses Grant learns to accept his responsibilities as a result of his interactions with Jefferson, Vivian, Tante Lou, Reverend Ambrose, and Paul. It’s about redemption of a black man who was sentenced to death and called a hog at his trial and learned how to die as a man. It’s really a story about human freedom and choice up against great extremity and great injustice and working creatively within it. And that’s what really appeals. Also that we see that humanness in everyone: We see the humanness in Grant, we see the humanness in Jefferson, and we see the humanness in Ms. Emma and in Aunt Lou. This book really touched me because of the fact that he was wrongfully sentenced. I can only imagine being in a position like that and handling it much worse than he did. I think it was a good plot because of the way Earnest Gaines had two main characters mature throughout the novel. Also, I really liked the fact that he kept a journal throughout the novel because it showed that he was very intact with his feelings even though he seemed very stolid at some points throughout the novel. However, although this was a fantastic and easy read, I have come up with a few questions. Why is Grant initially so reluctant to help Jefferson to become a man? Why does Gaines chose Grant to narrate the novel and not someone else? Why didn’t we ever meet Vivian’s children? Does this reflect upon something in her and Grant’s relationship? All of these questions are worth pondering about.
A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines is an amazing book. I had read it previously in ninth grade and everything about it immediately had me hooked. Even the title of the book is very interesting and it made me want to read. The book is uplifting, yet, tragic. These are some of the aspects that made the book even more enjoyable for me. I love that the book has two sides to it; therefore, it stays exciting the whole way through. Additionally I loved how the book shows us the controversy of racism in such an interesting way. Through the complicated life of Jefferson. He is accused and convicted for a crime he did not commit. This made me realize how serious and in just racism actually was back in that period. It gave me a good understanding of how colored people struggled all the time for no reason because in Jefferson’s case he was just at the wrong place at the wrong time. I also realized that single decisions actually can change your life because the decision to go to the liquor store changed Jefferson’s life completely. He ended up in a court room being accused of murder and convicted to the death penalty. Moreover during the trial everything seemed to get even more intense, well at least to me. When the prosecutor called Jefferson a hog, and since he had always been put down he believed it. However Miss Emma wanted Grant to convince Jefferson that he was a man before he died. That he, in fact, was not a hog. All the ups and downs everyone went through together in the book made it all tie in together. Nevertheless after reading the book I was still left with a few questions. What if the prosecutor would have never called Jefferson a hog, how would the story have been different? The what role would have Emma played?
A Lesson Before Dying tells the story of Jefferson, a black boy wrongly accused of murder, who has been sentenced to death. The story is told through the eyes of Grant, an educated man who has returned to the poverty stricken and largely illiterate town he grew up in to be a teacher. Each day Grant struggles to convince himself that he is not teaching in vain. Unfortunately, the evidence to the contrary is all around him in the professions and attitudes of the other adults in the black community. Grant is often prideful and inconsiderate, but his flaws as a character stem from his desire to distance himself from the children he believes he has failed, both as a teacher and a role model. Ultimately, being a role model is Grant’s function in the novel. When Jefferson is wasting away in jail, refusing to talk to his loved ones or accept his situation with dignity, Grant is called upon to teach the boy to be a man before he dies. During his first few visits, Jefferson ignores Grant. However, Grant perseveres: he is nice to Jefferson, he tries to be his friend, and he reminds him how much he is hurting the people he loves most with his silence. As Grant becomes more involved with Jefferson’s progress, he withdraws from his classroom, often delegating jobs to an older student. Perhaps Grant’s withdrawal from the many students in his classroom helps him focus his energy on Jefferson; perhaps he believes that saving one child is more important than trying and failing to save many. Indeed, Grant is able to salvage Jefferson’s humanity, and although Jefferson does die in the conclusion of the novel, he does so with honor and grace. Grant’s success as a role model with Jefferson makes Jefferson, in turn, into a role model for the other children. Jefferson’s bravery in the face of fear will no doubt teach the children that they too can have pride, stand tall, and maintain their dignity. Grant still worries that the children will grow up and assume the limited roles of their parents, but maybe Jefferson’s bravery will help teach all of them a lesson.
My first reaction to this book was very different from my usual reactions to a mandatory reading book. When given A Lesson Before Dying, I picked it up in sort of an eager way to read it, maybe it was because I like books in that era, maybe it was because I liked the description on the back, but whatever it was I am happy I got a chance to read it. In A Lesson Before Dying, Earnest J. Gaines exemplified what I have been waiting to read for a while. When reading A Lesson Before Dying, I was literally on the edge of my seat wondering what is going to happen next. And while pondering, I realized that this was one of the few books, I feel, really had one of those morals that everyone should go by. Whether you are white, black, male, or female being a human being always comes before race and at that time that is not how people were treated. Immediately after this came to mind, I started to think about the title, what is the lesson Earnest J. Gaines wants us to know before dying? Is there truly a lesson? Or is it just the way we choose to live our lives? For example, Gaines never came out and told us the lesson straight forward, was we supposed to fill in the blank? Or did he tell us in a hidden kind of way? I thought about these questions a lot and while ruminating over the thought, I came up with my own idea of what the lesson is but to this day I still wonder what Gaines’ lesson was. In conclusion, I would love to see the movie; I just hope when I do it, it does not become a huge disappointment to me. I really love the book and now I just want to say I love the move as well.
A Lesson Before Dying written by Ernest J. Gaines is historic fiction. Gaines depicts blacks living during the Jim Crow era, which appeals to readers interested in social justice issues. A Louisiana native, Gaines was born to a family of sharecroppers during the economic depression. The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pitman another book by Gaines also explores the plight of the black American. It had equal exposure as it was depicted in a television movie starring award-winning actress, Cicely Tyson. However, A Lesson Before Dying was more critically acclaimed being nominated for a Pulitzer Prize and The National Book Critics Circle Award, as well as the basis for a successful off-Broadway production. Depicting the lives of two young black men who meet because one has been asked to counsel the other, who has been sentenced to die for a crime he did not commit, A Lesson Before Dying presents themes that transcend race. The schoolteacher, Grant, is attempting to instill a sense of human dignity in Jefferson, a young man facing an unspeakable injustice. Grant is also grappling with trying to find some sense of purpose in a terribly unjust environment. Exploring these issues can be instructive for all despite race as it illuminates the idea that in order for one to escape ones psychological and moral imprisonment one must take responsibility for his actions. This main theme allows readers to understand the meaning of responsibility for black males living in America. However, one question I had was how did Grant not get arrested for getting into a bar fight? Second, the time period is unclear, if this is the south wouldn’t the death penalty be lynching not the electric chair. Finally, if the time period is during the time of sharecroppers then the why is there no mention of the Industrial Revolution?
I greatly enjoyed reading A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines for many reasons. It is a book that greatly reflects the time period of the early 20th century in a way that is engaging and interesting to the reader. The story is told through the view point of Grant, a school house teacher in a small town he can never seem to escape from. The narration of the story is captivating and kept me eagerly anticipating where the story would take me next. As the book goes on, we meet Jefferson, an innocent man sentenced to death. Grant struggles to bring Jefferson the realization of his humanity before he is put to death, and this is not an easy task. The story is told in such an empathetic way that has the reader feeling the emotions felt by the interesting and deep cast of characters. Jefferson is forced to greet his death by the end of the story-- and this is a very powerful ending. I was very impressed with Gaines' forceful vocabulary and affective story telling tactics. The book brings up the theme of racism in America and details the attempts to wipe it out completely. Jefferson has been convinced by the awful accusations that he was anything less than human. The book chronicles the endearing attempts by Grant to convince him otherwise. This story is a very powerful read and it has left me pondering humanity and the ethics of men and women across the face of this earth. I am left with certain questions that I still seek the answers to, today. Why was Grant so resistant to teach Jefferson in the beginning? How does Jefferson's death improve the community or affect it in other ways? I hope to review the book and seek these answers out. I was very satisfied with this read and can gladly recommend it to anyone with an appreciation for intriguing texts.
A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines is a heartwarming tale about Jefferson: an African-American man who –like so many others– was sentenced to death by electrocution for a crime that he never committed. In the classic court strategy of pleading insanity, however, the defense called Jefferson a hog. Jefferson, who did not see himself as an individual of any importance whatsoever, believed the words that the jury did not. Convinced as he was of his bestiality, he was giving his godmother, Miss Emma, lethal grief.
This is where Grant Wiggins comes in. Wiggins, a teacher at the Louisianan plantation where Jefferson was raised, was asked by Jefferson’s godmother to educate her demoralized godson. Though it was the very last thing Mr. Wiggins wanted to do, his aunt, Tante Lou, demanded that he go and convince Jefferson that he was not a hog. He visited Jefferson thrice with Tante Lou and Miss Emma, and each visit was made completely unfruitful by Jefferson’s unbreakable silence; the fourth visit, however, was made by Mr. Wiggins alone. Though Jefferson did not speak much, he did begin to taunt Mr. Wiggins and even ate a bit – though he refused to use his hands as a human would.
A few visits later, Mr. Wiggins was finally able to speak to Jefferson as his equal. He bought Jefferson a radio –though Miss Emma, Tante Lou, and the plantation’s reverend opposed such a measure– and then bought Jefferson a notebook and a pencil in which he could record his thoughts. Jefferson did regain his morale, and even Mr. Wiggins had to admit that Jefferson was the braver of the two. He recorded his thoughts in the notebook up to the morning of his execution; when a prison deputy gave Mr. Wiggins the notebook, he said that Jefferson was the greatest man in the room when he was put into the chair.
A Lesson Before Dying is a wonderful novel, but it did raise questions; for example, I still wonder why the electric chair was brought to the local prison instead of having the prisoner taken to the prison in Baton Rouge to be electrocuted.
A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines has an interesting theme, setting, and point of view that is comparable to few books that I have previously read. The theme of prejudice is prevalent, as a young black man is sentenced as guilty for a crime he did not commit by an all-white jury in a southern town during the early nineteenth century. This is not the first time I’ve read a novel that had racism or prejudice as a theme, but a story about an unwilling teacher trying to evoke a sense of manhood from a boy that is “as dumb as a hog” was new to me. The setting is new, too. Although I have read about a southern setting in Their Eyes Were Watching God, the town of Bayonne and its rural surroundings is a unique setting, especially the presence of sugar cane which supported the people. A Lesson Before Dying also introduced a jail setting to me. Along with it came the harsh imagery if the “peeling paint” and “rusted toilet” that he had to live in for months. I thought Mr. Wiggins ability to shift from the classroom to Rainbow Club to the jail cell was important to get different views on the characters’ lives. Aunt Emma adamantly wants Mr. Wiggins to visit Jefferson, while he is unsure how he could be capable of helping what he considers a doomed situation. He accepts the idea of black prejudice, and believes Jefferson was at the wrong place at the wrong time. However, Vivian also insists he helps Jefferson. It is interesting to watch Mr. Wiggins’s view of Jefferson change as he begins to sympathize with his predicament and aims to help him, and in some ways, protect him. Jefferson begins so quiet, frustrated and angry. Why should he act like a human since he wasn’t being treated like one? Why should he talk to a man that openly admits he cannot help him and does not want to, either? As the novel progresses, Jefferson opens up through Mr. Wiggins visits, his new radio, and finally, his journal. Jefferson’s journal is my favorite part of the novel, and it is reminiscent of Precious’s novel in Push. Although it is not grammatically correct, it is authentic and sheds light on his thoughts and feelings on life, which is becoming stronger as his death approaches. My only question may not be able to answer from the novel: Does Mr. Wiggins still want to run away from Bayonne and life as he knows it, for he claimed “nothing will be the same.”
Ernest J. Gaines’s A Lesson Before Dying , is a very well-written and intriguing novel. I love this book because it doesn’t follow the classic tale, a happy ending that is laid out with little implications. Throughout the book, the author leads you to believe that somehow Jefferson will be set free in the end with all the support that his family gives, but in the end, if the reader has any sympathy, he’s heartbroken at the surprise of Jefferson’s death. Reading this for the Techniques of Writing class was actually not my first time reading it. I had read it once in the 5th grade, along with watching the movie and again in the 8th grade with my book club accompanied with the play at the Roundhouse theatre. Seeing as I have read and reviewed the plot of the story in various forms over time, I wasn’t really anxious to uncover the resolution of the conflict with Jefferson and his journey to die like a man or surprised to find out that Jefferson isn’t saved from the death penalty by the end of the story. However, when reading this book I did discover a new theme that I hadn’t discovered before. It wasn’t racism or the death penalty, but actually the controversial idea that the blacks used lying and compromising their ideals to stay alive. For example, when Reverend Ambrose gave the speech to Grant saying that black people have to cheat and lie to stay alive through racism. He listed very modern ideas, including the idea of heaven, the negligence of pain, and the faith in God’s grace. I found this interesting because these were all modern concepts that are followed today; which brought up the question, if Reverend Ambrose was alive today would he still have the idea that black people are using these ideals to protect themselves and if so, from what?
Ernest J. Gaines's A Lesson Before Dying is a thoughtful, insightful novel that I greatly enjoyed reading. It addresses the subtleties of society's behavior and the limits of faith; it is especially unique for its story-line in which they do not "live happily every after". Firstly, when I started to read the book it did not appeal to me and I had a hard time getting into it, but as Jefferson, in prison, started to respond more to Grant's efforts to teach him, it became more and more captivating. Secondly, historical novels are some of my favorite and I liked the way Gaines depicted the race relations in the Deep South. They were apparent even in the small details such as how Clay waited for the white couple to enter the bank first and how Grant was kept waiting when he went to Henry Pichot's house. Thirdly, another theme I found interesting was faith, shown in the ongoing conflict between Grant and Reverend Ambrose. Grant, as an atheist trying to teach Jefferson about being a man, had opposing views to the reverend, who was trying to save Jefferson's soul. Jefferson’s godmother, Miss Emma, and Grant's aunt, Tante Lou, side with the reverend, but realize that they need Grant because of his education. Fourthly, it is intriguing to look back and see how Jefferson, the uneducated condemned victim, becomes the focus of the dreams of all the other characters. As he is put on death row, he is almost a representative of the black community as a whole, which is why he becomes so important. Most who know him realize that he is innocent, but they know that they cannot prove that to white society; hence, they make it their duty to educate him so that he may die as a man and not a "hog". Overall, the novel gave me many things to think about, but i was mostly left wondering if Jefferson ever had a chance to live.
A lesson before dying is a compelling novel about the search for individual worth and truth. Not only was Ernest J. Gaines able to capture me as a reader with his harsh tone, but his use of vernacular is incredible! It is amazing the technique he used to embrace a time and place; making it seem real and vivid to the reader. While reading I noticed how Mr. Gaines brought to attention the issues of that time, without making them seem so straightforward. Grant, who is the dominant character in the novel, has way too many issues. Mr. Gaines allowed this character to portray the feelings and thought of an average African- American male, stuck in the vicious cycle of white supremacy and black oppression. The reader learns how Grant is not only a character but a symbol. Actually, I think all of the characters in A Lesson before Dying are symbols for real life issues. For example, Jefferson represents all of those whom can not read or speak for themselves because they are illiterate-they only know what people tell them. Miss Emma represents the older African- American generation, whose minds are still stuck in the oppressed years of slavery. She represents all of the years of saying “yes’m” to the plantation owner Mr. Pichot. And above all Miss Emma symbolizes the strength of African- American women. When I read this novel last year I was so overwhelmed, that I started crying when I finished. To me the novel was simply a fictional tale of the oppressed people, lost in this time, trying to figure out how to walk an inch without being dragged back a mile. When reading the novel a second time, I did not cry. Instead I was infuriated. Now I know that some people may say “well Gloria, your missing the big picture.” No, I understand the big picture. Jefferson is an illiterate young man, who needs help and becomes the new hope for his community. While this is a big aspect of the story, I feel that there are many tiny pieces that make up the big picture. How about the fact that Grant teaches in a one room shack and does not have enough resources to supply his students with the knowledge that they need to succeed. Or how about the way the “Jefferson Party” (I am referring to those who went to go visit Jefferson) had to be frisked every time they went to visit Jefferson? Not to mention all, let me repeat that, ALL, of the inmates inside of the jail were black. When making real life connections I noticed that the school shack oddly resembles some of our inner city school systems today; for example Kansas City School System only spends $43 per student. $43! I know for a fact that my AP World textbook, by itself, cost about $90. What chills me to the core is the fact that most of our prisons now are full of African- American men. Now this makes me wonder, was Ernest J. Gaines trying to send younger generations a message by writing this novel? Was he foreshadowing the fate of the black community?
The story A lesson before dying is a heart wrenching, edge of your seat story about a young black male falsely accused of murder. Bringing mixed emotions and many questions about the truth behind the story and keeping the reader engaged. Racism plays a very important role in this story bringing on many problems and feelings to both the reader and the characters connecting them in a sense of emotions. While reading the story, I didn’t really know what to feel. At times I was sad then others I was angry and then there were times when I really didn’t know what to feel. Although I had never experienced anything like what the main character experienced, I was able to connect and feel and understand how they felt and what they were thinking. Being the reader, I sometimes wanted to just reach out and somehow speak to the reader because this book brought so much pain and anger and in that situation I think that anyone would just need a friend and someone to just pour their feelings onto. I thought that the whole book was pretty depressing but even though he died, he died as a man, and that is what was trying to be accomplished. I also liked the whole idea that the main character was in a terrible situation and going through so much at such a young age but his aunt and his community always supported him and was always there no matter what. With that, I think that the character was able to reshape his whole approach even though he was in a bad situation and at such a young age, he was able to take out a little negativity in it and learned how to look at it in a more mature way and I think that is what the whole point of him dying as a man tied into.
A Lesson Before Dying by Earnest Gaines is a heartening story about a young black man livng in the south who must learn to come to terms with the racism of whites and his unjust conviction and imprisonment. The main character, Jefferson, is tried for the killing a man in front of an all white jury and all of its racial biases. Jefferson is found guilty for this crime which he did not commit. When convicted for a crime he did not commit, Jefferson is angry and disobedient, acting like the "hog" the whites thinks he is. He is put down to the level of a hog by a few words from an attorney. The jury and the judge are blind to justice and the truth. Everyone in the town just accpecpt Jefferson's conviction. Another major character, Grant, a teacher, who has seen many of these injustices before would rather runaway and escape than face the society he fell will never change. Then after resisting his aunts order to teach Jefferson how to regainhis humanity, Grant eventually relizes that even small victories add up and can eventually produce change in the society. A boy, barely any older than me is forced to realize his humanity and who he really is. Grant accepts Jefferson’s dilemma as his own and begins to fight for Jefferson’s salvation. Grant helps Jefferson to understand by dying like a man, with dignity, he will prove to cthe society that wrongly accused him. To make the realize he wasnt really accused of the murder but of being African American. I thought this book was very effective in getting its pointt across about the racism and injustice that was encountered. Gaines shows how racism appears in every aspect of society. I couldnt help but to feel sorry for Jefferson, Even thought he had the support of his family, frineds and community. This novel relates to the importance of being able to read and write. This story proves that if you are illiterate, you can be easily taken advantage of. A lesson Before Dying was a great read. I loved its approach to the momentous subject that is rasicm.
Ernest J. Gaines' novel entitled A lesson Before Dying I found to be a great book. The story is about a teacher named Grant and young Africa American man named Jefferson who is struggling through his life down in the south-Bayonne, Louisiana. One day, Grant when to a liquor store with two other men. When they get ther, the men debate with the storeowner and there are in a shootout. They all die-except Grant. Since he was the only one at the crime scene, he was accused of killing the men, arrested, and put on trial. The lawyer says that he couldn’t come up with a chime like that. Sadly, Jefferson is thought guilty and sentenced to death. Jefferson throughout the story is trying to understand why his life has taken this turn. Grant tries to teach Jefferson about life but Jefferson wants to infuriate Grant but he doesn’t fall for the foolery. Overtime, the two become close to one another. On the day of Jefferson’s execution, Grant doesn’t attend and decides to stay at school. During the whole story, Jefferson refers to himself as a “hog.” I find this interesting because this shows a deep element to the story. This shows how Jefferson, an African American, feels like he is nothing to the world-I liked the reality view of this element. I would only ask about Jefferson’s situation-I feel like the community uses poor Jeff as their way to resolve a problem, such as the murder. Do the people use him like this? Overall, I felt that it was a great book and I enjoyed reading it.
In Earnest J. Gaines, A Lesson Before Dying , the stories of two men intertwine. The major characters are Grant, a young teacher, and Jefferson, a boy wrongly accused of a brutal murder, and Miss Emma, Jefferson’s aunt who tries to ensure that Jefferson’s last days are filled with respect. Amongst the first pages of this novel, a shootout occurs leaving three men dead and another, an innocent witness, about to be put through the trial of his life. This was shocking and enthralling to me; it was unexpected and this added to the brutality of the crime. The book takes place in the South, where racism is at its strongest. Jefferson, the suspect, is put to trial in front of an entirely white jury, with his fate in their hands. Jefferson’s race and illiteracy play a large role in the jury’s decision to sentence him with the death penalty. This was not exceptionally outrageous to me when I read this due to the obvious biases, but what was outrageous to me to me was when the judge applauded the jury for making a “quick and just verdict.” Gaines use of simple language and emotion made me enjoy the book even more. I was especially engrossed with the power behind Jefferson’s words, he seemed to speak with intelligence and even though he must have been terrified, there was an air of confidence when he spoke. I really enjoyed reading this book because it gave me a deeper understanding of how racism effected even the youngest and even the innocent. The use of Gaines’s simplicity gives the book a feeling of youth and is not confusing to the reader. The only question that I have about this book is why was Jefferson so hesitant to receive help, was it because he believed he could face the situation alone or because he felt as if he would be considered weak to have people helping him?
A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines is a thrilling novel through the eyes of a man who follows the story of a man named Jefferson charged with murder, leading to his sentence. The man, Grant, is charged by Miss Emma, the godmother of Jefferson, to help Jefferson die like a man, with dignity. Grant was the only educated black man in the area that Ernest Gaines’s novel takes place. Grant, though charged with helping Jefferson die like a man, did not seem to feel comfortable trying to help someone else. He really showed that feeling, or emotion, near the beginning of the book where he didn’t seem to grasp what Miss Emma meant by making the death-sentenced Jefferson a “man”, as Gaines put it. At that same time, Jefferson, after “murdering”, though none of the African Americans in the community believe that he actually committed said crime, was waiting on death row to be assigned his execution day. His only real contact with the outside world was through a small window on his cell wall. His cell was described as ".. roughly six by ten, with a metal bunk covered by a thin mattress and a wooden army blanket; a toilet without seat or toilet paper; a washbowl, brownish from residue and grime; a small metal shelf upon which was a pan, a tin cup, and a tablespoon. A single bulb hung over the center of the cell, and at the end opposite the door was a barred window, which looked out onto a sycamore tree behind the courthouse. I could see the sunlight on the upper leaves. But the window was too high to catch sight of any other buildings or the ground.". Modern cells are not all that bad, however, the cells that modern criminals are housed in are not the most pleasant rooms either. I thought that the book, though sad and at times hard to fully understand, was very well written. I really enjoyed the different types of characters, not to seem mean, but, intelligent and slightly unintelligent. The characters interactions were very well written and allowed me to get into the story. Why did Gaines choose Grant as the narrator?
In this book A Lesson Before Dying, to me was the most interesting book, that we have all semester. It showed me the importance of how being called an animal is the one thing you should never except. I really loved and appreciated the way Miss Emma never gave up trying to get through to Jefferson that he was not an animal, but in fact a good man that made a bad decision. This woman allowed me to see that being a strong and determined person whatever you set your mind to, can happen. For example when she asked Grant to go see Jefferson, and he really was not sure if the sheriff would let him. Miss Emma went right over to the Henri Pichot’s house to ask him herself, if the teacher (Grant) could go speak to Jefferson. During the many times going to see Jefferson I saw that Grant was almost positive that him going up there would not have an effect on Jefferson and the way he felt about the situation he was in along with himself. One question that I really needed clarified is, why did Grant truly disbelieve that he would not be able to change Jefferson’s views upon himself? The most interesting part to me was when Grant went to the Henri Pichot’s house to talk with him about going to speak with Jefferson at the jail. The main reason Grant went to him was because his family did a lot the Pichot family and Miss Emma knew that Henri would try to help them out. Then as days went by Grant went back to the Pichot’s house to talk to the men. The part that touched me the most was when Grant felt inferior to the white men he wished to speak to. The reasons for this were that they called him boy; they kept him waiting for them while they were talking, and they tried to manipulate him by telling him that he was wasting his time by trying to convince Jefferson that he was not an animal. Overall, this story really helped me see that it is not what someone calls you, but it is what you answer to along with what you believe to be true.
A tragic moving story about injustice,A Lesson Before Dying by Earnest J. Gaines is a must read. A Lesson Before Dying is about the controversial racism in the south. This book took place during the Jim Crow Era when whites tried to undermine blacks of their money, possessions, and pride in any way possible; more specifically, this story takes place in the 1940’s. One major point of controversy in the story is the unfair justice system. Even though it is very apparent from the court defense that Jefferson is innocent, the people of the court are still looking for a scapegoat and pin the crime on Jefferson anyway. Furthermore, it was beyond what was necessary to call Jefferson a hog during the trial. This is a question of the pride of Jefferson and that of black men in general. This brings us to another point of controversy-where one stands, even in death. As Jefferson’s attorney had called him a hog during the trial, he would have died believing in his heart that he was no better than a hog. However, with the determination of Jefferson’s aunt and the recruitment of Grant, Jefferson is changed from his attitude into believing that he is a man again. I like how by believing that he is a man again before dying, Jefferson overcomes the final barrier that the whites had put up for him and shows the community that breaking down barriers was far from being impossible. The death of Jefferson in this story helps to make a radical change in the way that the people think about humanity. It shows that maybe with a few changes, people can really overcome the racism in society and even to be a more equal society. Of course these thoughts came later in the fire of the Civil Rights movement, but the death of Jefferson serves as one more step toward the point where things must be changed. I really do not have any questions about the book at this time.
A Lesson Before Dying, by Ernest J. Gaines, is a well written book with more than one lesson to learn from reading it. The obvious lesson throughout the whole book deals with self-esteem and confidence. In the beginning of the book, the reader learns that Miss Emma wants Jefferson to die as a man, which he is not at that point. He had very low self-esteem, and not only let people call him a hog, but believed it too. Throughout the book, Grant helps him become a man, and Jefferson starts to believe in himself. He learns that to be a man is to be strong and confident in yourself and your abilities. He also learns that he is worth something and no one can tell him that he is not a man or a human being. Grant Wiggins, the schoolteacher, also learned a lesson in the story. At first, when he heard of Jefferson’s execution, he was unwilling and unenthusiastic about helping Miss Emma and Jefferson. As the story progresses, Grant and Jefferson form a strong bond and Grant becomes more interested in his mission. He starts to care more and more about Jefferson and making sure he becomes a man before his death. Grant then sees how and why it was so important for Miss Emma that Jefferson dies as a man. He learns what he taught Jefferson was extremely important, and that if he had not gone to see him, Jefferson would not have died as the same person. These, and many other lessons learned by characters in this story, are reflective of the value of human life. When one person’s life is on the line, it helps other people re-evaluate what it means to be a human and themselves.
My first reactions with the book were that it was interesting and that I was going to get sucked into it, but it ended up taking me longer to read through than I thought it would. One thing I really enjoyed about the book was Jefferson’s character. One of my favorite parts with him was when Grant gave him the radio. The next time they came to visit, they heard that Jefferson had been playing it all weekend and grew attached to it. I thought that part was cute and showed the reader a little bit more about the kind of person he is. I do not really have any specific questions about the book. I thought it was easier to read and understand than The Frequency of Souls, but some of the terms were confusing as well. Overall, I enjoyed the book and I hope to read other classic stories like this one in the future.
A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines is definitely a novel that caught my attention. It is a moving story about how a man named Jefferson is helping a young man, named Grant Wiggins, who is a convicted murderer. Jefferson helps Wiggins overcome the fact that he is being accused of this action as well as being labeled by others as a “hog”, implying that he is worthless. Wiggins’ godmother does not want Grant to die a “hog”, but wants him to die a man. I like the fact that his godmother is so concerned about his label. She wants him to be able to stand with dignity and pride, thus proving his worthiness to his doubters. I also like the fact that Jefferson is so willing to help Grant. Jefferson has a firm hand and it works with Grant, because Grant responds better to that instead of being reasoned with, like other people tried to do with him in the past.
I did not like the fact that in the beginning of the novel, Wiggins did not care for who he was. He was essentially thinking “I am just going to die, so it does not matter who I am”. I did not enjoy the pessimistic attitude he showed towards himself because, as we all know, you have to believe in yourself first before you can achieve success. Throughout the novel, Wiggins proved that he is important and that he is not worthless through his various journal entries that Jefferson wanted him to write. Wiggins shows that you are what you make yourself out to be. You do not need other people’s consent in order to accept yourself for who you are. In the end when he was going to the electric chair, he was happy to just stand there and take it the way he was meant to from the very beginning. In addition, he felt proud to stand up for Jefferson, his godmother, and even himself. I loved all of the messages that were portrayed during the novel, like do not let anyone label who you are, be optimistic, and never doubt yourself. All in all, I really enjoyed this novel.
On the surface, the novel is the story of one man's struggle to accept death with dignity while another man struggles with his own identity and responsibility to his community. But on a deeper level, it explores the process of an oppressed, dehumanized people's attempt to gain recognition of their human dignity, acknowledgment of their human rights, and freedom to pursue their dreams. Gaines' manipulation of time, focusing on the day-by-day struggles of ordinary people, is a definitive structural element in the novel.
This is a straightforward novel, that masterfully evokes a time and a place and a community that was forced to bear inhuman injustices. The dignified manner in which a simple man rises up and, with courage and grace, accepts the burden of man's inhumanity to man makes for an uplifting tale of the triumph of the the human spirit.
In Louisiana in 1948 a young black man named Jefferson makes the fatal mistake of accepting a ride from another pair of young men. When they stop at a local store to get some beer the other men do not have enough money and the white storeowner will not give them credit. Guns are drawn and everybody ends up dead but Jefferson, who is arrested for the crime. Since this is a question of black and white justice in the South before the Civil Rights Movement, Jefferson is condemned to be executed. The focus here is not on justice, but rather on death with dignity.
A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest Gaines was one of those few novels that I could spend many words analyzing. Perhaps it was the simple yet elegant prose, or the well crafted characters, but something was different about this novel. I would like to comment on Olivia C’s blog post. I agree whole heartedly that A Lesson Before Dying used much more simple and concise writing than The Frequency of Souls and that it was a lot easier to understand. However, there are a few ideas that I question slightly. “In the beginning of the book, the reader learns that Miss Emma wants Jefferson to die as a man, which he is not at that point.” Are we sure that he was not a man at that point? If he was not a man, does that mean that he was a hog that became a man upon death? I believe what Ernest Gaines was trying to convey was that he was never a hog, but rather a man who did not know the value of himself. He was tied down by society in such a way that he did not know what it was like to be a man; but he always was one. Are we really going to go around and deny people rights to their own “label”? Jefferson’s death, may, in fact, have been more powerful than his life. Through death his legacy lives on forever in the lives of those experiencing his story. Jefferson can now be an example for every other person who does not know himself, or what they are capable of, despite the oppression of their own society. He could even be considered a type of revolutionary within himself, changing the views of anyone brave enough to hear his tale.
I also wanted to answer a few of Justin J’s questions about the novel. The time period of A Lesson Before Dying was the 1940’s. I believe that lynching dwindled by the end of the 1800’s/early 1900's. That is not to say that there were not other forms of violence and prejudice, however, an attempt to appear more “civil” began in the early 1900’s. Clearly, everything seems more “proper” on the outside, but in all honesty, the discrimination is was there full force. I believe they just tried to mask the truth in order to push others down and to make others appear even more “uncivilized”.
After reading some of the responses, I found Katie’s and Emma’s to be the deepest. First off, Katie asked if Jefferson was trying to grasp reality. I do think that Jefferson was trying to grasp reality, but what makes me marvel at why he needed to push an effort to do so is the fact that he was not an educated man. Jefferson was aware the whole time of the discrimination between races throughout the book, but the execution of one must have been something unheard of either in the community or to his self. The whole situation seemed to sink in to Grant at least after the execution: “I went up to the desk and turned to face them. I was crying.” (Gaines 256), but Jefferson showed little emotion throughout the whole story. Secondly, Emma simply asked, “Who will be next?” I believe that because the book’s setting is in a small town, every person convicted of murder or something else resulting in the death penalty, guilty or not, will still be killed. The media had very little to do with Jefferson’s case. The whole case seemed to be a topic that was kept “hush hush” in the community. Jefferson’s family even found it hard to talk about. As long as this topic is kept in the closet there will indeed be a next person, and after that another person. The cycle of death will continue. Take Jefferson’s “ignorance” as knowledge: “someone had chiseled that painful, cynical grin on his face” (Gaines 84). As for the personal questions, Jefferson’s death was disturbing for the fact that he was dying of a crime that may have or may not have been committed by him. His death accomplishes the wiping away of the invisibility he experienced as a living being. More people know him dead than people who knew him alive.
Ernest J. Gaine’s A Lesson Before Dying is a novel about the injustices against the oppressed, which, in the case of this small Mississippian town in the 1940s, is the black community. Stephanie L. and Everett L. both had very interesting interpretations of A Lesson Before Dying’s application to everyday life. Stephanie L. really highlighted the relationship of this story to the controversies still predominant in our society today. But in response to Stephanie L. and Everett L.’s question, no evidence was probably collected to either support or free Jefferson of charge because “[Jefferson] was half-way across the room, the money stuffed inside his jacket pocket, the half bottle of whiskey clutched in his hand, when two white men walked inside” (6). Even in a modern day court with all biases aside—especially with all biases aside—this would be enough evidence to put a man in jail: all men dead except Jefferson, stolen money in his hand, and shoplifted bottle of whisky. Moreover, it has still been neglected that Jefferson was found, and tried, by highly biased white men, simply looking for a scapegoat—so with the evidence they had, as well as their prejudices, they did not even need to collect more evidence. In addition, to answer Stephanie L.’s question, Jefferson did in fact have a lawyer; it was his own lawyer that stimulated the entire book’s conflict when he said “justice, gentlemen? Why, I would just as soon put a hog in the electric chair as this” (8). In fact, it might have been better had Jefferson not had a lawyer, when his own lawyer would be the instigator of all Jefferson’s pain over humanity. Furthermore, the questions of humanity and identity as a whole have become perverted through the mishaps of Jefferson’s lawyer. Indeed, it is ironic that the uneducated, illiterate Jefferson, who was sentenced to death, became the hero of the other characters. Yet, Jefferson also sacrifices his own emotions and world to give the other characters that hope, so maybe schooling is not all you need to be an admirable person, although it would have been helpful, but rather a strong heart and a deep love of humanity. The world is but an illusion, for the “dos” and “don’ts” of society, such as getting an education and not going to jail, do not define a person’s character, but merely shape what we do with it—Jefferson as our key example.
After reading several responses of my peers, I was able to gain a lot from others perspectives of the novel, A Lesson Before Dying . Most of them had similar views. Many of my peers asked questions that I believe can be answered by their peers. I agree with Emma J. in her response. She mentioned the novel did not just seem like an assignment, more like reality. She also stated that the novel reminded her of Amendment 8, because of the cruelty and unusual punishment. While reading, all I could think about was racial segregation. Many of my peers enjoyed that Ernest J. Gaines made the story based on real-life situations. I think this is why many my peers was able to connect and understand the story. Many of my peers also stated that throughout the story, it was hard to keep up with the characters actions. As stated in my previous blog, I had the same issue. However, I was able to keep up towards the beginning. I agree with Crystal I. in her response about the novel being emotional and touching. While reading, I would think back on real-life situations dealing with racism. Also, I was able to visualize what was going on in the story. When reading the responses of my peers, I noticed that no of them mentioned that they disliked the novel. Almost everyone enjoyed the reading. Considering the question, “To which character or characters does the “lesson” of the novel’s title apply?” I think that the lesson applies to both, Grant and Jefferson. Moreover, I think that more than one lesson emerges in the course of the novel. The title of the novel is “A Lesson Before Dying” rather than “Lessons Before Dying” because there is a specific lesson that Grant is trying to teach Jefferson before dying, which is how to become a man. In the end, Grant realizes that Jefferson did learn a lesson before dying. This is not because Jefferson is finally dead, but because Jefferson no longer has the cowardly nature.
There are many ironies in A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines. Jefferson, the underdog of the story, was the main focus and drive of inspiration in this novel. The fact that Jefferson was an uneducated male who taught an educated male is extremely ironic. This is one element of the book that I loved as a reader. From the conviction of a crime to the death of an innocent man, this zero to hero plot begins with a bang and ends with one as well. It is a touching story, in which one man genuinely teaches another. In the beginning of the novel, Grant Wiggins is expected to teach Jefferson. By the end of the book, Grant Wiggins realizes that Jefferson’s story has actually changed him. A question that intrigued me was Randall P.’s question, “Why did Gaines choose Grant as the narrator?” Gaines probably chose Grant as the narrator of this novel because Grant was a very important character who learned from Jefferson. The narrator tells his or her side of the story and with Grant as the narrator, Jefferson’s personality and life story is revealed one step at a time. This is important to Grant and Jefferson’s growing relationship and the author does a phenomenal job in expressing this relationship to the reader. Another question I would like to answer is India G.’s question, “If Jefferson’s life had been spared, would it have changed the meaning of the story and would it still have had the same affect on the reader?” Jefferson had to die in order to convey a meaningful and climactic ending to this novel. With a climactic ending, the reader is emotionally moved by the book. Grant Wiggins might have never truly learned a lesson before dying if Jefferson did not actually die. If Jefferson did not die, the purpose of the book would be meaningless. It would have a different effect on the reader because it would not have been as touching. This is one reason why Gaines is a talented writer. He knows what the reader wants. Even if the reader did not want Jefferson to pass away, there is still a feeling of content. With this bittersweet ending, the reader experiences a feeling of content and closure, which makes the novel even more compelling.
After some of the responses about A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines, I have come to an agreement with Brigit C. and Gloria S. This book was a compelling and depressing book. Brigit C. captures this book with just one word, Wow! This was an outstanding book because the author, Ernest Gaines, captures everything that happened, in that time period, in just one book. Like Brigit, Jasmen believes that this book was very heart breaking. First, starting with the racism that goes on in this book, and ending with all the degradation that happens. In this quote, you can see how heartbreaking it is to see someone like Grant, a school teacher with an education, be degraded down to a lower status, in one split second, “ It was five- fifteen. No Sam Guidry, and no one else, except Inez, had come into the kitchen to say anything to me… at six o’ clock… I had come through the back door against my will” (46). To answer one of Brigit’s questions, Jasmen thinks the main reason he was mean to his class is so anyone in the class would not become what he has. Grant has tried so hard to become greater than what is spoken of him, and he did, just to be knock right back down again. Also, Jasmen agree with Gloria S. because this story was sad, and maybe if Jasmen would read the story for a second time, she would get the same reactions as she did. Jefferson was an illiterate character that let someone else time him who he was, which is a “Hog”. In this quote, you will see at the trial of the convicted, Jefferson, how easy it is for someone to call someone else an animal, “Oh, yes, she did hear one word- one word, for sure: “hog”… It was my aunts whose eyes followed the prosecutor” (4). To answer Gloria question, maybe Ernest Gaines was sending a secret message to younger generations. Maybe, just maybe, the message was for younger generations to not follow in the path of there ancestry, but to become a new generation, full of new hope and capability.
Throughout the entire book, I was brought back to the title, A Lesson Before Dying, constantly wondering what the lesson was, who it applied to, and why it was so important. Like Emily F, I was immediately hooked by the title and eager to learn what it meant. To input my thoughts on her question, I think going into the liquor store that day was a positive thing, for I believe he learned so much about himself, others, and the world by being put on the death sentence. He practically got himself educated in the cell, which is more than he would have accomplished on his own in a normal life. In addition, the section where I truly believe Jefferson learned was when he said; “‘Yes, I’m youman, Mr. Wiggins. But nobody didn’t know that ’fore now’” (224). This is where Jefferson really learns what it means to be human in this world, and it was because he was caught in that liquor store. On the other hand, I did not think about the meaning of his death sentence before reading the book again, for I, like Katherine T, was confused about the characters and the plot of the story at the beginning. Especially at the beginning, when you are not sure who is talking, and Grant Wiggins says; “Ten o’clock on Monday, Miss Emma and my aunt sat in the same seats they had occupied on Friday” (9). It is hard to tell who Miss Emma is and the purpose, but you soon understand after reading more of the book. After reading it a second time, however, I noticed Ernest J. Gaines’s underlying meaning with the many lessons appearing in the book. Although there is more than one lesson, I still think the title A Lesson Before Dying is suitable, because it is the same lesson each time. Learning about the human race. Many people learn this lesson, such as Grant, Jefferson, Paul, and many more. At the end of the book, everyone has learned something, one lesson, which covers the human race as a whole. To answer Katherine’s question, yes, I do believe the author was crying while he was writing it, as it is a heart-wrenching story mean to bring tears to anyone’s eyes.
In A Lesson Before Dying, Michelle S. said that she thought that it was an incredible story of an entire community’s fight for morals and the fight against racism. I disagree. The community did absolutely nothing to fight for morals and against racism. The minorities could not have done anything because they had no power to do so. Not only were minorities powerless, but they also were all talk. While minorities were powerless, the Caucasian population believed that Jefferson did commit those crimes. Some Caucasians believed that it was right to send Jefferson to death by the electric chair while others thought it was just pure torture either way. Furthermore, the community did not fight for their morals. Nothing was organized or done to prevent or raise awareness to others. As Michelle S. said, it was a time of racism and injustice. Michelle S. was curious and wanted some other’s opinions on whether it was right to put a man to death for false assumptions. In my opinion, it was not right. It was not even a bit just. Because it was a time of racism, they all assumed the worst of Jefferson. Not only were there white jurors, but also a white judge. Of course they did not know the truth but that is not an excuse for them to make their decision based on Jefferson’s race. Zane G. also thinks one of the themes in the story is of the unjust government of Louisiana and the south. Zane G. was also curious of why Grant and Vivian continue on living in their depressing Louisiana community even thought they are miserable themselves. I believe it was because there was a cycle that Grant was afraid to break, the cycle of becoming educated and then staying to teach others. Grant was afraid inside to break the cycle and venture off into a whole different world while Vivian had to stay and teach. She was one of the few teachers at her school and was loyal. She did not want to just run off and leave them there alone. Overall Michelle S., Zane G., and I believe that this is a fantastic book to read and that it can be interpreted in many different perspectives, just as if it were art. Writing is an art though.
Michelle S, I would think it is wrong now if Jefferson were to be judged in our time. Despite my opinion, we have to look at the period the trial occurred in as well as the events happening then. “My Gray ’46 Ford was parked in front of the house” (16). This quote displays the time setting of the story-the 1940s. Hence, there were lots of tensions between the two races in that era. Moreover, since white people considered themselves superior to colored people back then, blacks did not hold as much authority as the whites. Regarding today’s world though, I strongly believe it is wrong to execute someone that is falsely accused of any account. In addition, if someone provides credible information and yet the only evidence is his/her say, they should not have executed the man regardless they do not know the truth. It just proves how rigged the system was back then, and still is today. There are accounts where accusations have been proved false with DNA testing and technology of that potential for crimes committed in the 20th century. In other words, things that seem true at the moment may be disproved later with more conclusive and reliable evidence. Emily F, I would have to agree with you, his “small decision” to walk in the liquor store led to his death. In my mind, I do not think that a small decision leading to death would be so much as positive as it is negative. Actually, the negative outweighs the positive by tenfold in how I see it. In fact, Jefferson could have learned much more in his lifetime without having to endure such pain. You do not need experience to know if it is correct. For example, if a trashcan seems smelly, looks dirty, then most likely it is smelly and dirty. Therefore, you do not need to go inside the trashcan just to figure that it is dirty and smelly. No experience is needed to conclude that. Also, I think there is one main lesson being taught in the book, and that lesson is geared towards Grant. The lesson is being able to move on and help others, a loose version on sinful pride in short. Throughout the book, Grant is hesitant to help out Jefferson, but he had to overcome his pride to actually reach out to Jefferson. Pride is what prevented him to help Jefferson in the first place, it also made him mad. Grant had to lose his pride before he could do anything. Nearing towards the end of the book, Grant had lost all sinful pride, and started to take good pride in what he had done, yet Jefferson died. Although he died, he died as a man; the way Miss Emma wanted it to be.
A Lesson Before Dying, is a story of a black man in Louisiana. In the middle of the twentieth century, accused of a murder which he did not commit. Sentenced to execution by the electric chair by an all-white jury, Jefferson spends half a year learning how to face death. The story asks of the reader a question that humans have had trouble with throughout history: how do you face death? How do you face death knowing you are going to die? This book helps us understand how to understand what Jefferson felt. Jefferson knew he was going to die, he knew how he was going to die, and, he knew when he was going to die. Therefore, life became a way to grasp on to what he thought was nothing. Grant thinks to himself, “why not let the hog die without knowing anything” (31). Let him die thinking he is nothing more than an animal. Let him die never having known that he is as much a man as Henri Pichot. But is that really the best way to go? Grant, not being able to decide, struggles to keep his own life in check. “What do I say to him? Do I know what a man is? Do I know how a man is supposed to die? I’m still trying to find out how a man should live. Am I supposed to tell someone how to die who has never lived” (31)? Grant cant handle it anymore than Jefferson can, even thou Jefferson is nothing more than a hog, and Grant is university educated. Jefferson’s death teaches Grant how to live – how to live like a man – and, Grant’s life teaches Jefferson how to die like a man. After the execution, Paul tells Grant, “Jeffereson was the strongest man in the crowd” (253). And, Grant helped him realize that he was no hog and that he could die like a man. Despite this almost optimistic conclusion to a heart-wrenching story, the ending remains shadowed by a much more devastating reality. Walking along the side of the church, Grant looks at the foundation and thinks to himself, “but now even the cement blocks had sunk so low in the ground that a child losing a marble or a ball under the church had a hard time crawling under there to retrieve it” (248). The faith that this church was built on, the faith of the black community in the quarter, is so undermined that the tangible manifestation of it cannot even stand sturdily on the ground. This church could not save Jefferson. Can it save all of the children praying on their knees in it as he dies? Are they destined to live in the same community where your skin color marks you as an unintelligent hog? This story shows us the racial segregation that the U.S has been through, and the way to true adulthood.
I am very impressed to see the comments of my peers! It is so captivating how one book can have over 60 different perspectives. It is absolutely amazing. To get back to A Lesson Before Dying, there are many lessons that apply to this title. Just like Jaime L. said, A Lesson Before Dying talks about more than just one mans struggle with the justice system. The story talks about the spark of the civil rights system. It portrays the profound effect words can have on one person. To answer Taylor W. question, it is not that Grant did not believe in Jefferson. Grant just knew about the vicious cycle that cursed the oppressed African- Americans. I believe that Grant felt it was a lost cause to try to teach Jefferson anything. In his mind he felt what would be the effect of him helping Jefferson? What would it change-nothing. So in the end, Grant was able to change Jefferson’s mind, but we still have to remember all the things that Grant had to go through to get Jefferson to that point. I would also like to address Forrest F. question. First of all Forrest, you have to realize the time and turmoil that these people are going through. It is sort of like if someone is the first person in their family to graduate from high school. Jefferson represented the false hope that these people were living. So no, the people were not using Jefferson. They were simply living with false hope. I feel a strong relation to Briana J. entry. I totally agree that racism is an issue that dominants this book. In every aspect it reflects racism. From the jail house that is all black all the way down to the separate sections of town. This novel reminds us today as the young generation we can not allow racism to separate us even more than it already has. Because the fact remains the same- racism is still in effect.
In response to Katherine T, my first reaction to A Lesson Before Dying was that the book was confusing as well! Beautifully written, but confusing. The names at the beginning are supposed to emulate being a new person in the town---a situation where you would need to learn new names relatively quickly. I'm sure to be accurate, the author had to research for a significant amount of time before writing the book. Although the book made many of our peers cry, I think that it is highly unlikely that the author cried during his own book. He spent a long time researching and gradually came up with a plot line and developed characters over a significant period of time. Part of the reason we felt it was so sad was because it was sprung upon us—we grew close to the characters and bad things happened to them in quick succession. In response to Crystal, I understand your confusion about why the mother seems willing to let her son die for a meaningless cause; however, the time period of the story has to be taken into account. It is true that a mother's love is timeless and unconditional, and in this scenario the mother seems heartless. It is easy to pass judgment and assume she is a coward and is not willing to fight for her son; however, in the south during this time, she was fighting for her son. She was being unselfish and showing true strength by wanting her son to die a man. I completely disagree with her philosophy, but in a way, she is the hardest fighter in the book. She fights against her true feelings of love and compassion, not because she believes her son is guilty, but because she believes he is not—he is a source of honor and pride and she wants him to die with dignity.
Lombeh! I really enjoyed reading your blog. Upon reading it I truly experienced the severity of how you felt towards the book. Thoughts such as “anger towards the book” gave a vivid yet real interpretation of your feelings. I am so happy I was able to see your unique viewpoint behind the story. I think your blog brings up some interesting points and different questions such as, “from the manslaughter that begins this novel to the judicial murder at its close, death is a constant presence in A Lesson Before Dying. We are repeatedly reminded of all the untimely, violent deaths that have preceded Jefferson’s and, in all likelihood, will follow it. Why then is Jefferson’s death so disturbing to this book’s black characters, and even to some of its white ones? What does Jefferson’s death accomplish that his life could not?” I also found your questions interseting and hopefully I can provide some anwsers. Jefferson’s family wanted what was morally right. By demandaing that Grant die a man the family was able to fight racism, and possibly restore their ethics, which are ideal for a society to develop positive changes. I do not think the story would have been greatly impacted if Jefferson did not die. The rest of the story would have gone on. Everything else would have stayed the same, but as the flow of the story went on there was no overwelming call for Jefferson to live. There was alsways talk of his death. However, I believe that the entire story would have been different if Grant did not teach Jefferson. So many details such as, court mettings, jail visits, and just overall plot would not be the same. I also believe that the whole idea of the story woould change. I also enjoyed Phillip’s blog. It showed personality, and a true concept the events of the book. Phillip provided the reader with much textual evidence that also in turn, helped the reader understand the content. One question I wanted to address was about Grant being resistant at first to teach Jefferson. I think he was reluctant because he was scared about getting involved in the situation. He may have been frightened by the courtcases or the overwelming amount of time it took to teach someone how to live like a human being. To address your other question I do not think the death improved the community. I thought it added to the racism and the idea that it is okay to convict individuals due to being at the wrong place at the wrong time.
A Lesson Before Dying, by Ernest Gaines, is a heartfelt novel that touched my heart. My first reaction was that I would love reading this book. As it turns out, I did. I like the plot of the book because it was not in the least bit boring. My first reaction to this novel was that it would be very interesting. Even the title spoke to me because I wanted to learn what the lesson before dying would be about. Then, the front illustration also drew my eye. I really enjoyed how the opening played out in the store. I felt the fear that Jefferson was feeling during the shootout. Not the shots flying pass him, loud noise, and dead bodies, but the fear that I knew he would be unjustly blamed for it all. What I liked most about this book was that the character of Grant was developed very well. At first glance, Grant seems very uncaring about the situation of Jefferson. He always has that excuse of what am I supposed to do about it. However, after drawing closer to Jefferson, he began to care about him much more. That’s what I admire about this book. Grant even ended up crying for Jefferson’s death at the very end of the book. One question I had about this novel was why they put Jefferson’s diaries in the book. I was so annoyed reading it, trying to figure out what every single word meant. Also I was angered that there were so many journal entries. I could not understand it, which is why I feel that adding those journal entries was a good waste of the book.
I agree with what Shaan said; the shoot out in the beginning of the book really caught my attention. Ernest Gaines could not have selected a better way to start the story which was one of the reasons why A Lesson Before Dying was one of my favorite assigned reading books this year just like Shaan said. When Shaan said what if Jefferson was never called a hog, I think that the book maybe still would have been a little similar to the way it is now. Miss Emma probably would have wanted Jefferson to be a man before getting sentenced to death, so therefore Grant would have still had to go visit him, but Jefferson probably would not have been as stubborn and nonchalant when people came to visit and talk to him. When he said what would happen if Jefferson did not receive the death penalty I think that Miss Emma would have wanted the same thing for Jefferson. She would have wanted him to become a man over the course of time of his jail sentence. Another person that I agreed with was Katherine because I too thought that it was a break through when Jefferson finally decided to write in journal. I thought they the day would never come because he already had it in his mind that he was hog and not a human, and nothing ever seemed to help him clear that thought out of his mind. To answer Katherine’s question, I do not think that the author cried while writing this book because it was a fictional story, but I think that if the story was based on something that may have actually happened to him, then I think that he would have cried while writing the book. Since the title of the book is A Lesson Before Dying, I think that the person who learned the lesson in this book was Grant, even though it would seem like Jefferson would be the one learning a lesson since he was the trying to be taught how to become a man. Jefferson had to learn how to deal with life he was living in his area. He learned how to care for people, and most of all he learned that he was upset with the life he was living. I think that more than one lesson emerges in this book, but the book is not titled Lessons Before Dying because there was one overall lesson that the author, Ernest Gaines, wanted you to discover.
I really enjoyed reading everyone’s different perspective on the story A Lesson Before Dying. As for Emma J’s response, I agreed completely. To answer her first question, I think that “you’re more of a man than I am, Jefferson” (225) was added to show how what Jefferson is doing is so much harder than what anyone else is doing. Jefferson is coming to terms with his eminent death, and is working to move past that. Grant is working to live himself, and become the person that he thought he could become by going to college, “What do I say to him? Do I know what a man is? Do I know how a man is supposed to die? I’m still trying to find out how a man should live. Am I supposed to tell someone how to die who has never lived” (31); although that is difficult, it is nothing compared to what Jefferson is going through. I think Gaines added that to show that even though Jefferson was regarded as an animal, he was a man the whole time. I also believe that although I originally just assumed that the “lesson” in the title was referring to Jefferson, I now think that Grant learned a lesson too. At the end of the book, he has finally taught someone something worth teaching. He is looked at as someone to respect in his community and he has closure on that part of his life. While Jefferson was learning to die like a man, I think that Grant was finally learning to live. As for Emma’s second question, about Irene’s love for Grant, I think that this was added to demonstrate perspective in the story. While Grant is so obsessed with his self pity, love for Vivian, work, and Jefferson, Vivian can look at Irene without previous events clouding her judgment. Grant works with Irene almost every day, and so he does not notice her behavior towards him, but Vivian, whose focus is on Grant notices. This is Gaines’ way of showing the different perspectives in the story, and almost showing people’s priorities. I also really enjoyed Kelsea J’s response. As for her first question, I think that it was hard for Grant to go into a jail with mainly, if not all, black inmates and all white guards. Going in there to help Jefferson was almost admitting the faults of his race, and the superiority of the other. Grant went to college, and because of this, he was more educated than everyone in the jail, but the white men still looked down on him because of his race. Grant could do nothing about this, and because of that, it was extremely hard for him to go into the jail day after day, week after week. To answer Kelsea’s second question, I think that the story would be meaningless if Jefferson had lived. If he had lived, it would mean that the white men had allowed him to live, which would have never happened. If he had lived, everything they had worked for would have almost been for nothing; Jefferson would have had much more time to become a man, and would be able to die on his own accord, and not at the hands of the white executioner. All of the comments have drastically changed my perspective of the book, and opened my eyes to others.
Upon reading, A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines, one is immediately attracted to the title; including me. When I first looked at the title, I was eager to “learn” the lesson that I should learn before I die, however, as I turned the pages, and further read, I soon learned that the title was a mere description or aspect of the entire lesson that was going to be taught. As I read, I discovered that the novel, itself, was not just teaching one lesson, but many lessons. Moreover, the “lessons” were directed for Jefferson. Although there are many lessons in the story, the main one is identity and pride. In addition, not only does Jefferson learn from Grant, but he also was molded through his experiences. The title of the story is A Lesson Before Dying, and not “Lessons Before Dying” because “a lesson” implies that idea or teaching is necessary to know; it triggers the attention of the reader. However, if it were to say “lessons”, it would give off an idea of many teachings, which would gradually loose the interest of the reader. Furthermore, as I continued reading, I was greatly impressed with the different perspectives and opinions, each and every one of my peers had to contribute. Not only, did it open a new range of ideas, but it made me realize that novels can be ambiguous. In particular, I was greatly stunned with Sarah S.’s posting. Sarah’s posting shows an understanding of many perspectives. For example, when I initially read the novel, I was utterly surprised and somewhat discomforted when Jefferson died, but as Sarah clearly explains, his death is essential for the story to seem realistic and heart-wrenching. Therefore, if Jefferson would have never died, then the novel would have never caught the attention of my peers. To answer your question, if Jefferson had been saved at the end, the novel would have completely changed. First, it is very difficult to convince a white jury to “defend” or even treat justice with equality, for the story says, “the jury retired, and it returned a verdict after lunch: guilty of robbery and murder in the first degree” (8). Consequently, they convicted him without even the slightest piece of evidence. So in other words, without his death, the story would have not had a real purpose. Lastly, you asked was Jefferson ever a hog, and was he finally a man at the end. First of all, we are all humans, some think they are more important than others, and others are pretty tolerant. Jefferson was never a “hog”, however, he was perceived as so, but he was never physically one. What makes a man? I know what you are thinking, and no, that’s not necessarily it. In the context, they are perceiving man as human, therefore, he finally is enlightened and realizes that he accepts this false punishment. On the other hand, I enjoyed reading Crystal’s interpretation of the novel. Her perspective was, “short, sweet, and to the point”, I can honestly admit, I was also engaged with the book. To answer your question, Miss Emma was quite aware of the racism, and discrimination, therefore, fighting for the impossible, would just be impossible. However, she did want him to at least die like a man, meaning die with dignity. In conclusion, A Lesson Before Dying, has been by far one of the most heart-warming story given to as an assignment.
After reviewing all the wonderful responses that my peers came up with it was hard to only choose two but I found interest in Randall P’s question. Randall, I think that because the meaning of the story would have been completely different if it were told through the eyes of Jefferson. Also, the main purpose of the story was to follow the change of Jefferson’s character and how would you be able to do this if it is being told through the person that is receiving the change? In addition, Jefferson saw no point in changing because his death was inevitable, so what was the point of changing? “I am just going to die, so it does not matter who I am” (Gaines.) Moreover, if Jefferson had this mind set how could he tell the story of change if he saw no point of changing? In addition, Gaines thought outside of the box by having a different person follow the life of someone else. Although it would have been interesting to see how Jefferson felt when he was being accused of something that he did not commit, or when he was being so negative while in the cell, Jefferson was still a flat character and since Grant had more description we saw the story from different views. Also, because Jefferson spent most of his time in a cell, it would have been a bored book to be reading it from the view of someone in a cell for a good portion of the story.
In response to Ja’Pria’s question regarded to whom is received the “Lesson Before Dying” I think Gaines wants people to think that it was mainly Jefferson that received the lesson because it life was coming to a rapid end, but I strongly believe that Grant learned a huge lesson as well. I say this because you saw how unwilling he was to help Jefferson change from a “hog” to a man but as the story progressed you saw him become more open to the idea of helping a Black man. And in the end of the story he actually wept for Jefferson’s death; which should his relationship that was formed between Jefferson and himself. Grant changed from a selfish man that taught a Sunday school class and all his students feared him, into a person that should his caring side when he shed tears for Jefferson. You also saw how Jefferson’s misfortune shapes Grant’s life. You saw this because Jefferson began to be a topic that followed Grant in his relationships with other people, including his lover. In all, this story left such a great impression on me, and I can really see myself picking up this book a few years down my road of life.
To answer Everett L’s question which is: why would they convict someone who was at the scene even though he did not commit the crime? They convict him because he was black and it was still racism back then. On top of that, the white man that was there who could have told the truth got shot and died. Some people would say that he was at the wrong place at the wrong time but how was he suppose to know that. People who think like that are just ignorant and that confuses me deeply. Even though he did not play a part in the robbery, just because there were not any witnesses he was convicted. To also respond to David Lukaczer’s question: And whether you think either Jefferson or Grant is a hero? By definition, a hero is a “person who, in the opinion of others, has heroic qualities or has performed a heroic act and is regarded as a model or ideal.” For instance, Jefferson had to put his pride away and make a decision that would change his life forever. To me that is very heroic deed. Pride is someone’s biggest treasure and to give that up was a major quality. Although Grant did not want to help Jefferson at first, he too was a hero when he decided to finally help Jefferson. He too decided to put his fears and pride away in order to help someone else and at the end became a great person. Although at the end Jefferson could not be saved from death he learned something so important. He learned how to be a man instead of a “hog” like the judge called him. Before Jefferson died, he was considered a little boy but after Grant helped him, he died a man. Jefferson died a hero and Grant lived a heroic and admirable life.
Reading my peer’s thoughts about the book helped me understand A Lesson Before Dying on a deeper level. I was particularly struck by Everett L.’s comment. I agree with him on several points. For one, I also felt pity for Grant and what he had to go through - not only did Grant not want to teach Jefferson, Jefferson did not want to be taught! For the majority of the book, Jefferson was unwilling to listen, and he treated Grant, who was just trying to help, very poorly. Therefore, I felt sorry for Grant and, like Everett, I had mixed feelings over the way Jefferson treated him: I understood that Jefferson was in a very tough situation, but he could have at least shown a little respect for Grant. By the end of the book, though, I believe that Grant’s struggle was worth it and that Jefferson died like a man. I do not, however, agree with Everett’s enjoyment of the way the story concluded. Although there was unity between the two main characters, I still believe that Jefferson did not deserve to die that way. To answer Everett’s question, I believe that Grant was so hesitant to help Jefferson for several reasons. First, he did not want to have to “deal” with the white men who had to give Grant permission to see Jefferson. Secondly, he felt that he did not want to get attached to Jefferson any more than he already was, because he did not want to get hurt when Jefferson died. Thirdly, he did not know how to approach the challenge. After all, how would you teach someone to become a man? I certainly would have no idea how to. As for why the jury convicted the man, I think this only goes to show people’s racism (an underlying theme throughout the whole novel) during that time period – they figured that he must have been guilty because of his race and rank. Emily F.’s thoughts on the story also left me with a lasting impression; her view on how every single little decision has an affect on your life was an eye-opening read. It reminded me of a movie I saw once entitled Sliding Doors. In the movie, a girl misses the train one morning, and that tiny change in her schedule changes her whole life. Not only does the movie-watcher follow the girl who missed the train, s/he also sees what would have happened if the girl had gotten to the train in time. The two stories of the same girl are completely different. This pertains to A Lesson Before Dying because if Jefferson had not gone to the liquor store, one can imagine what his life would have been like – probably a long and happy one. Instead, his life was cut short by a minor decision. Overall, I think that Jefferson’s decision was a negative one. Although he bonded with Grant Wiggins, his life ended and so one could argue that what he learned was for nothing. He could have had a relationship with Grant in a different way and they still could have confided in each other without having a death sentence looming. I do, however, think that the decision ended up having positive outcome for Grant. He learned a lot during his time with Jefferson. Although there were many lessons throughout the book, the “lesson before dying” was one that Grant learned before Jefferson died. In the beginning of the story, Grant is an irritable, tired man. He is moody about going to see Jefferson, and does not wish to talk to him. He is sick of a life where he is mistreated and put down. By talking to Jefferson, he is taught about the value of life. He becomes an overall more positive person, and learns to enjoy life. This is the lesson to be learned before dying.
As a response to Nancy M I also had the same feelings about blacks living in American. It is interesting to see the transformation from the name colored to African American. However, the name is different for different for individual blacks living in an American and Africans that are immigrating here. In response to Nancy M’s questions the word “hog” is not specific to the story and could be taken out of the story. However, the controversy is not in the word but the lack of respect at that time. The term hog is just a one-word example of the view whites had for blacks at the time. The Jim Crow era is indescribable in just one word. Although Gaines has to show the reader the lack of respect whites had for blacks. Therefore, even if the word were replaced with “boy” then it would still lack respect. Black men at the age of their 30’s or 40’s would be called boy, and were expected to reply in the south. Moreover, even if the word hog were removed then there would still be a dilemma about the lack of respect the prosecuting attorney had for Jefferson. Also, in response to Brookes question Grant narrates the story through an entirely different view of a black male. At the time blacks lived the role of sharecroppers, but Grant is the new idea of the Great Migration and the early Harlem Renaissance. He is an educated young black male in the heart of the south. Gaines creates this particular situation as tension for the reader. This is one of the main themes of the book. The theme relates to the connection blacks had with racism no matter the particular situation they were in. This idea still exists today. Ditch digger, President, College Professor or otherwise, blacks are unable to escape racism. Henry Louis (Skip) Gates professor at Harvard University was arrested for assaulting a cop and was sentenced to jail. President Obama was called a liar during a senate address. Everyone knows that there have been more ludicrous statements that have been made in the senate, but because of Obama’s race there is a lack of respect. Therefore, to Brooke’s question Gaines is trying to convey a message about the social status of blacks years after slavery. In the book Jefferson is the person who is being taught the meaning of life before his death. This is true because of the various meeting that he has with Grant, the pastor, and his mother.
In response to Katherine's question, "Did the author (Ernest Gaines) cry while writing this book?", my thoughts would be that he probably did. A Lesson Before Dying is such an emotional book. It isn't the cliche', 'someone dies, everyone cries' sad story. It is a story of someone fighting to die with dignity and integrity. To answer Kelsea's question " Why do you think Grant was so against aiding Miss Emma and Jefferson?", my guess would be that he was more than content with his life. Grant had a degree, and admirable academic achievements, of course he didn't want to add turmoil to his life by involving his self in somebody else's drama. This also answers Zane's question, "Why was Grant so reluctant to work with Jefferson?". It is, in fact, ironic that a barely literate, uneducated, socially inept, black boy became the focus of characters with all different backgrounds and situations. Most people would not be as empathetic to a young black man on trial for death. The fact that he and his godmother were so adamant about him dying as a human being, intrigued many people and gained their respect. Of course, all convicts would try to get themselves out of being killed and would make excuses for themselves where as Jefferson and his godmother accepted the fact that he was to be killed and were only fighting for the right to die a human being. That simple but meaningful request alarmed a lot of people and caused different characters to sympathize with Jefferson's position.
As I was diligently reading the comments my fellow classmates wrote about A Lesson Before Dying, I found that I agreed with two people’s comments the most: Kimkia and Tatiana. They both had really great points that I strongly agreed with. First off, Kimkia stated a great comment that I will now quote: “[It] is about the ways in which people insist on declaring the value of their lives in a time and place in which those lives count for nothing. It is about the ways in which the imprisoned may find freedom even in the moment of their death.” This comment is very powerful and true. Most people do not realize what they have or how great their lives are until death is at their front door. This comment made me realize something else; this book makes the reader think about what their life could be like and to appreciate what they have. Also, this book barely divulges into what African-Americans had to go through during segregation. This look shows what happened to young African-Americans just because they happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. To answer Kimkia’s question, I do not think that Grant actually requires faith, but actually acknowledges it. He grows. It was childish behavior to dismiss the faith. However, acknowledging the faith shows how much he has grown.
Tatiana also made a statement that I agree with. She said that the book was actually about the teacher being taught a lesson, more so, than Jefferson. I agree with this statement very strongly because the one character that learns and grows the most is Grant. I believe that in the end, Grant finally learns and realizes what it is like to be a man. I agree with everything that Tatiana said except for one thing: the reason for Jefferson’s diary being one of the last chapters. I do not think that it was an attempt at showing soberness. I think it was to show happiness. It shows how much Grant has actually helped Jefferson. He wants the diary given to Grant so that Grant can actually see how much he helped him. In the end, Jefferson does not die a hog. He dies a man. At the end of the diary, Jefferson had written “. . . tell them im a man . . . .” However, I think that the diary shows a very stark contrast between how Jefferson speaks and how everyone else speaks.
A Lesson Before Dying brings up many good questions in relation to civil rights and the world that is around us. Many of These questions are answered throughout the story, but a few are left for the reader at the end. Many of these questions allow the reader to find their own answers from the story. Some of the most common ones are about the message the author wants to convey. I think that this message is the importance of knowing yourself. This is evidenced by his use of the character Jefferson, who in his own way find solace in his greater knowledge of himself, which allowed him to come to his death with honor and dignity. Another question that is often seen through this story is why Gaines used Grant as the Narrator. For me, this was to give a different opinion on the story. Many authors would have used Jefferson, as he would be the more obvious character, but in this case to see it from a more unique perspective makes it more real to the reader. The theme throughout the book is death. In the beginning there is a murder, and at the end Jefferson is electrocuted for his supposed crimes. This theme is very prominent, without the deaths there is little story to be told. The reason Jefferson has to find himself is so that he can die with dignity. Farther, it compels the rest of the themes along. This is evident in many of the smaller themes, such as race and the problems with the legal system. Overall, A Lesson Before Dying raises many good questions. It is a strong, moving book that manages to capture the reader’s attention through the use of strong characters, a compelling plot, and an important message. While some questions may go unsolved in the book, they allow the reader to find his/her own answers to them.
In the first blog for the novel A lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines, we were asked to write about any specific questions we had on the book. As I looked through the blog posts Aidan Barrett’s questions resembled my own thoughts as I first started reading. He asked, “Why did Grant hate living in Louisiana so much and why did he refuse to help out Jefferson for so long? Was he afraid of the responsibility?” I think that Grant’s reason for taking so long to help Jefferson when he was in jail was a mixture between laziness and that he did not want any guilt or more sadness to be on his hands. As you could see at the end of the book, Grant cried when he heard of Jefferson’s execution. This shows that grant was emotionally affected due to the relationship he grew with Jefferson, which I believe he thought would have happened from the start. Moreover, I do not think he was afraid of any responsibility, but as I said he may just have been lazy or wanted to keep any more bad things from happening in his life. Another question that I wanted to answer was Shaan’s question when he asked, “What if Jefferson never died?” I thought this was a good question because it is sort of philosophical. I think if Jefferson never died and was not to be sent to the execution, then Grant would have never needed to come and help him die like a man, since he was not going to die anyway. The last question I want to answer is, “Why is the book not called Lesson’s Before Dying?” This would be an appropriate title if more than on person was about to die, however since only Jefferson was going to die, the title is better as a singular, A Lesson Before Dying.
I was interspersed to see some of the other questions. I wanted to respond to Phillip’s question, “Why was Grant so resistant to teach Jefferson in the beginning?” I think the reason that he did not want to teach Jefferson because he thought there was nothing he could do and it was a waste of his time. He was also angry at Miss Emma and Tante Lou for making him do something without talking to him about it. He was angry because he felt he wasn’t being treated like an adult. He also asked “How does Jefferson’s death improve the community or affect it in other ways?” I had a similar question, “Did it affect the community?” but I think that in the book the desired effect of Jefferson’s death would be that the town would treat African-Americans with more respect because Jefferson died a man and not a hog like his DEFENSE attorney described him. Jahise asked what the lesson Earnest J. Gaines wanted us to know before dying. I think he wanted us to know that if we are going to die we should die as men and women, not animals. So before we die we should know we can help others by dying with honor and pride. I saw that Jasmen asked, “Why does Jeffersons grandmother care if Jefferson is a hog?” The answer to that is simple. Jefferson was raised a man and he should die as a man for his family and not act like a pig and disgrace his family because it does reflect poorly on them. She also asked “Why doesn’t grant go to church anymore.” I think its because he lost his faith when he realized he was trapped in the vicious cycle of males in his community and he didn’t think going to church would change anything.
I really enjoyed reading my peer's responses, and many of their questions I share, including Jahise L.'s response. J ahise asked what the lesson Gaines wants us to take with us is, and I wonder the same thing. If we were reading this book in the fifties, it would be clear that the moral is that even subjugated people should be treated with respect and that we must overcome institutionalized racism. Although there is still room for social change for more equality and we are far from relieving all racism in America, I still feel the moral of treating others equal is a bit distant, especially for the readers that would be drawn to read A lesson before dying. Even though all should be reminded that all people are created equal and that even those who seem most unlikely to exhibit signs of nobility are capable, it seems a bit redundant and is very easily accepted by most of Gaine's audiences.
I also shared a question with Forrest F. who asked if the people in his town were just using Jefferson. I felt this was a very apparent theme of the story, that whether it was Grant or Jefferson, everyone seemed to want to make the people act how they wanted them to. Whether the person wanted Grant or Jefferson to do something good or bad has less to do with the fact that everyone in the story had their own agenda and knew how they could get what they wanted from whom. For instance, even though I acknoledge they are good people and have very noble intentions, Tante Lou and Miss Emma have very direct intentions and know exactly how to get them accomplished. There was a lot of guilt involved in their relationship to Grant, especially as he wanted to run away form his responsibilities, including them.
As well as a lot of my fellow classmates I agree that A Lesson Before Dying is the best book that has been assigned to us throughout this year. Although everyone knew that Jefferson was going to die and everyone knew when he was going to die, it was still so disturbing because of the reason Jefferson was sentence to the death penalty. As I read through this book and read through the trail it became noticeable that Jefferson was not guilty but because he was an African American and the jury was not, they felt the need to give him the electric chair. Also was disturbing because as the lawyer stated, “should we let this hog live on.?” made the family and friends of Jefferson highly upset. A person that was less educated than him and was not his race had to be a hog, but yet he made a bigger impact then the white lawyer did; even without having an education. This had the people so disturbed because he could do just as much as them with a little help; as was shown at the end of the story.
Tunde brought an interesting question to my attention, as follows,” I found this interesting because these were all modern concepts that are followed today; which brought up the question, if Reverend Ambrose was alive today would he still have the idea that black people are using these ideas to protect themselves and if so, from what?" if Reverend Ambrose was still alive today he would being saying this. He would say that young teenagers and mostly young males are using the religion, Islam as protection from the world. Many young African American males have turned Muslims in the last year that ever where you look there are Muslims. Scared of what the world has in store for them, teenagers turn to this religion where they are promised "protection". This is a perfect example of what Reverend Ambrose was saying. These to ideas of being thought less of and using an excuse for protection relate to the entire book because it is what makes up the book. Without these ideas in the book it would have change the plot and the message that was portrayed in the book. I really enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to anyone.
Ernest Gaines’ A Lesson Before Dying was a moving, heart-felt novel about the racism and unfairness of life during the 1940s. You felt all the feelings the author wanted to portray in this book throughout each event. Furthermore, while still making the book an interesting storyline it included specific words and events that perfectly portrayed the attitude of the South during the 1940s. Similarly, in Ragtime, the author used this same way of writing to incorporate history, feelings and ideas in a certain area and time period. This novel represents the racism through the story of a boy name Jefferson. Jefferson was a young boy who was at the wrong place at the wrong time and made the wrong decision. This does not go well for a black boy in the South. He ends up being accused of a crime he did not commit. Moreover, once Jefferson get’s to court, the entire jury and the judge, is Caucasian. Racism being what it is, he is voted guilty. Once Jefferson is falsely accused, charged and found guilty and given the electric chair as a punishment, his mother is determined to make him a man before he dies. This part of the book brought about the question, why make him a man? Was it simply the honor that needed to be kept in the family? Or did it have to do with showing how to overcome racism? Jefferson did die in the end as a man and that aroused another question. Why, if the character was not guilty, make him the one to suffer the consequences? Was this to emphasize the saying “life is not fair”? Or maybe make the book less fictional; allowing it to portray the South as it really was and often still is? I truly did like how the book let Jefferson die. It made the book more realistic and really added to the “feel of the story”, making me feel the sincerity and sadness of everyone the death affected. I would recommend this book to anyone. A Lesson Before Dying gives you good insight on history. Furthermore it has an amazing story line.
I am glad to see that A Lesson Before Dying is getting the praise it deserves. Above all others, I think Phillip G. and Sarah S. stand out for their fine analytical posts and important questions. I agree with Sarah S. that Jefferson was being wantonly rude, but it must be pointed out that this rudeness was really the main conflict in the story.
To answer Phillip G.’s question –“Why was Grant so resistant to teach Jefferson in the beginning?”– Grant was reluctant to tutor Jefferson at first for two reasons. The first of these reasons was that he did not want to associate himself with anyone below his status because then his status, which was not very stable because of his race, would be lost after all the work he did in college. As Grant put it, “Everything you sent me to school for, you're stripping me of it…. The humiliation I had to go through, going into that man's kitchen.... Now going up to that jail.... Anything to humiliate me. All the things you wanted me to escape by going to school. Years ago, Professor Antoine told me that if I stayed here, they were going to break me down to the nigger I was born to be. But he didn't tell me that my aunt would help them do it.” (p. 79). The second reason for Grant’s reluctance was that he did not see what he could do to help Jefferson; all he saw was a dead man.
Sarah S. asked, “Was Jefferson ever really a “hog”? In my opinion, he was never a hog; however, in a fit of bigotry –it was the early 19th century, after all– the defense argued that Jefferson was simply stupid, like a farm animal. They concluded that they, “would just as soon put a hog in the electric chair as this.” (p. 8). After all, what would the point of killing a farm animal?
After reading the blogs, two that caught my eye were Kelsea’s and Lombeh’s blog about the story. Both Kelsea and Lombeh felt sympathy for Jefferson, and so did I, for he was falsely accused of a crime he did not do, and him being a black teenager did not help his case. Jefferson was said to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. I agree with Lombeh that he could not have know that the crime was going to happen, so he could not know that being at the store at that time would have been a good idea. Then Jefferson being in front of an all white jury would not help decide in his favor either. I agree with both Kelsea and Lombeh that his race had a big impact on the way that the story went the way it did, and he was convicted of murder.
Throughout the story, I have found a number of lessons, so why is the story entitled A Lesson Before Dying instead of "Lessons Before Dying". I thought about this and concluded that it is not "Lessons Before Dying" because the many lessons come together to make one big lesson. One lesson that seemed to stand out was, do not think of yourself as less than human, or you will feel as though you were less than nothing. Another lesson found in the story was, keep on going until you get your point across. These lessons were concluded when Jefferson was told he was less than human so he believed it and acted the part. Since Jefferson thought was he was than human, he became less than human because he acted like it. Also, if you keep going until you get your point across, then the point will get across. When Grant kept going to get his point across, he brought Jefferson a journal. This helped get Grant’s point across to Jefferson, finally, and he felt more as a human again. The stories two lesson noticed, helped make one lesson of getting points across can help make a person feel human again, so do not give up your argument.
In response to Randall’s question, “Why did Gaines choose Grant as the narrator?” I think that he knew the story that he wanted to tell before he picked the characters. In the story, not only Grant’s troubles are being shown, but also Jefferson’s difficulty to find optimism with his situation, Miss Emma’s need to ensure that Jefferson dies a man, and Vivian’s struggle to find trust in Grant. There are many subplots expressed in the story and Gaines knew that the perfect way to capture all of their stories were through the eyes of Grant. In response to Nancy’s question, “What if the prosecutor would have never called Jefferson a hog, how would the story have been different?” I think that the prosecutor’s mistake of calling Jefferson a hog is the cause to the main conflicts that the story involved. For instance, without the prosecutor’s mistake, what lesson would Jefferson need to learn in order to die like a man and what lesson would Grant need to learn in order to live like a man. When Jefferson was called a hog, the plot began to unfold and the story was revealed. Without that, there wouldn’t have been a story. In elementary school, where I first read the book, I don’t really remember what I first thought of the book, but it’s hard to believe that I would have understood the concepts of the book that the author would have initially wanted me to infer. The second time I read the book, was with my BBBC (Black Boys’ Book Club), but because we all came from similar backgrounds and had similar views, what we obtained from the book did not differ greatly. I am glad I go a third chance to read this book, especially with the diversity in both the 9th and 10th grade classes. I find it pretty interesting with the diversity of thoughts collected from all of my peers.
In response to the quote on page 79 of A Lesson Before Dying by Earnest Gaines, I think Gaines included this quote for two reasons: on one hand to show the power in Jefferson but on the other hand to show his vulnerability as well. This is an extremely powerful quote that allows the reader to visualize the amount of segregation going on during this time by using strong derogatory names. I remember reading this quote and the feeling of sadness overpowering me because of the hurt that I could almost hear the hurt in Jefferson’s words. This quote was really moving to me because it shows how Jefferson was feeling deep inside and his motion through out the whole process of the trial and living in prison lading up to his heartbreaking death. This quote is an excellent example of how Gaines uses simple language but includes such strength and emotion behind these words. In response to Emma Johnson’s question about why Gaines includes Irene and her love for Grant, I think Gaines does this for on specific reason. I believe that the reason for this is to show that even during this time of frustration and anger there is still always room for love. I think the author uses love to lighten the air and show that there is more emotion in this novel then just the sadness from Jefferson’s death and the tension from the trial. I actually really enjoyed this part of the novel because it brought a bit of a smile to my face because for most of the novel I was either getting teary-eyed or muttering under my breath ‘Oh my gosh.’ I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a deeply moving read or just seeking a touching story of a boy’s struggle to get the justice he deserves.
A Lesson Before Dying, by Ernest Gaines is a insightful novel which answers some hard questions we do not always want to face. We all know that we will die, but it is not something that most people really want to contemplate. The thought of premature death, whether it is violent, accidental, or planned, is disturbing and frightening. That is why Jefferson’s death is so disturbing to others. Emma M. makes an interesting point in her blog when she says, “The story asks of the reader questions that humanity has struggled with throughout history: how do you face death?” Unlike most people, Jefferson knew when and how he was going to die, but that did not make it any easier. He still struggled with the fact that he was going to die, “I been shakin an shakin but im gon stay strong” (233.) Jefferson’s actions as he waited on death row showed he was human, which made it all the more difficult for those around him to watch him prepare to die. Once people viewed him as the man he was, maybe it forced them to think harder about death, perhaps even their own.
Shaan T.’s blog made me take a second look at some of my own conclusions. At first, I wanted to take exception when he said that the main characters were Jefferson, Grant, and Miss Emma. My initial reaction was to reject Miss Emma as a main character. Shaan T. mentioned her often in his blog and perhaps his persistent focus on Miss Emma made me have an epiphany. I realized that she was the best teacher. She taught Jefferson, Grant, and the entire community the importance of maintaining one’s dignity, in the face adversity. That made me think deeper about who really did the teaching in this novel. Grant, Jefferson, and Miss Emma were all teachers. Miss Emma taught by virtue of the wisdom that comes with age. Grant was a teacher by virtue of his training. “‘You the teacher,’ she [Miss Emma] said. ‘Yes, I’m the teacher,’ I [Grant Wiggins] said” (13.) Jefferson taught by his example. He remained strong in the face of death, “He [Jefferson] was the strongest man in that crowded room, Grant Wiggins” (253.) In death, he became the teacher that he could not be in his life. Shaan T asked “What if Jefferson had never been sentenced to death?” If he had not died, his life would not have touched the lives of so many people in such a profound way.
From the manslaughter that begins this novel to the judicial murder at its close, death is a constant presence in A Lesson Before Dying. Even though there have been deaths before Jefferson’s, and there are likely to be more after, Jefferson’s death was disturbing because it was he managed to change the circumstances for his death. By calling Jefferson a hog, the defense had set Jefferson into being another statistic, another weak-minded black individual who would be written off and annihilated. However, by gaining a sense of self esteem he showed his wrongdoers that despite their mistake, he was going to take his lot like a man. An individual who could understand his own actions as well as the actions and motives of others, and not as a hog a dumb swine that would just take whatever dished out to it without time for analysis or reflection. I agree with you both Shaan T. and India G. in response to your overall views on the book. It was indeed intensely exciting from the first page until the last, and like India G. said, this book was definitely not a snooze-fest. India, while it is too true that race is a main determining factor in the book and in the jury, what of pride? It cannot be too far a stretch to go from race to the being called a hog, because after-all, Jefferson was only called a hog as a last resort to keep the jury from making their decision solely based on race. Pride then becomes the main fuel of the story in getting Jefferson to believe in himself once more. As was said by Miss Emma, “I want a man to go to that chair, on his own two feet”(Gaines 13). This demonstrates that the primary goal was to achieve pride not racial equality. Also, in the story, Grant Wiggins the teacher was black, and not white. In response to Shaan T, I agree that Grant did not want the responsibility of having to give Jefferson his pride back, but was it only that Grant could not handle the responsibility, or was there something more? I believe that the problem was that Grant did not want to sign up for a losing battle. How so? The point of this is expressed when Jefferson goes in to talk with the former school teacher about how to deal with the students. The teacher pretty much tells him that students are educated over and over, yet they go home and get programmed a different way. What sticks with them is their views due to the enculturation and thus the school lessons are a waste of time. This is similar to what happens in the book. This is further showed when the jailor and Grant are talking and Guidry says “Good luck. But I think it’s all a waste of time” (Gaines 50). Finally to answer the question of both of you, Shaan T., and India G., I feel that the reason that a death was necessary is because death is a radical and drastic change. If Jefferson had gotten only a year or two sentence, it would have been bad, and people would have lamented, but when Jefferson had gotten out of the slammer, people would have forgotten about it. However, as death is very permanent, I feel that it made people think about it for longer. And truly, which would you think about more; a decision that affected one or two years of your life, or a decision that was Life. Or. Death.
In a book such as A Lesson Before Dying, there are so many underlying details and themes to think about, and by reading my peers’ posts I have noticed many new things. Firstly, Brooke asked why Grant was so resistant to teach Jefferson in the beginning; I think this because Grant feels trapped in a society he thinks will never change, and that Jefferson is someone that he can never change. Brooke also spoke about Vivian’s children and her relationship with Grant; we probably did not meet Vivian’s children because they were not central to the plot, but it also reflects upon their relationship because she is still technically married to another man. Secondly, Brigid mentioned the way mulattos were described; I think it was because Grant resented them for having some privileges and treatment of a white person, but still doing things as a part of the black community. Thirdly, Michelle wondered what would have changed in the story if Jefferson had not been quiet during Grant’s first visits; it would have made the story much less dramatic and climactic because, Jefferson’s change in behavior shows an understanding of what Grant is trying do over time.
I have considered a few of the proposed questions. Jefferson’s death is so disturbing to the book’s black characters because he is one of their own and they know he is wrongfully accused, it is disturbing to even some white characters because in his case they realize some of the cruelty of the justice system. The lesson of the novel’s title applies to Grant and to Jefferson. Grant, because he must learn that change is possible and his efforts are not futile. Jefferson, because he learns that he is just as much a man as any other. Those are two of the lessons that emerge throughout the novel, along with the lessons of having dignity, and being persistent. I will never forget the things I gained from this story.
After reading my peers responses to the book A Lesson Before Dying, I have seen many different outlooks of what exactly they took away from the book. It also allowed me to see how they feel about the events that took place in the book. One person’s blog that I really enjoyed reading was Stephanie L. Even though I was aware of the racism and death penalty that still continues today, really drew my attention as to how they are practiced today. For example, in the book when they called Jefferson a hog and treated him as such, people today are still treated as such. They also have similarities with them dying in an electrocution chair, even though today the practices of the death penalty are far worse with poisoning people. To answer the question she asked about being sentenced the death penalty, I would have to say that this was probably the law if you kill, you will be killed. Also, Jefferson was an African American man that was standing next to two of his dead friends and a dead white man, once the police saw that he “killed” a white man, there was no questioning involved, because he killed one of their own. I also enjoyed reading Everett L. blog and his views as a male. His blog showed me that he appreciated how the book flowed as each event happened. One question that was asked was why was Grant so hesitant and resistant? I believe Grant was hesitant because he felt as though becoming a man is not something you can be taught in life let alone a jail call, but something that you have to live through and become yourself. I also believe that he did not want to be as involved with people that thought of him nothing to society and someone who saw him as inferior to them. To answer the question that both of them had, why would they convict him just because he was on the scene? You have to put yourself in the time period of which this story was written, segregation was high and enforcing a law against a black person during this time was prominent. For example, if someone broke into your house and the first person you see walking down your alley with something similar to what you may have had, the first thing you would do would be to assume they broke into your house and stole your things. Even you may not know that you feel to be true, just like they felt the murders were Jefferson’s fault.
In response to Michelle S and Katherine’s posts, I must disagree with most of your points. Jefferson was always a man. There was never anyone to debate that idea. Maybe he acted like a hog but the whole entire story was an attempt to prove his humanity to people, not create his humanity. Remember that in the begging Grant was mostly resentful to the work that he had to do. In his mind he has worked hard his entire life to get away from the racism and stigmas of their small town. But his anger is mostly because after all of that work to get out, Grant is not only forced to return to the community that he so resents but also must grovel to someone to work in the prison (a job that he really does not want). The point that I do agree with you on is the fascination amount of progress many of the characters made. The only one as I see it who made not emotional change was Jefferson; in this story he almost acts as a catalyst for people to see the horrors of racism. He speeds up the process by being the accused that learns something before he dies. But he also brings attention to the fact that he was convicted with a complete dearth of knowledge or evidence. Even his lawyer was lackluster. You know what is really wonderful? When you go to all of that work to prove something to the world and then you are electrocuted to death. Of course it’s not right, constitutionally is illegal. You need a sufficient amount of evidence to put someone on trial let alone convict them. But what happened to Jefferson happened over and over again all across America. A poor black boy would be at the wrong place at the wrong time and something would go down and he would be blamed. Just look at Emmitt Till. To respond to Katherine’s question, I would assume that he did not have to. Ernest Gaines was around for most of this time period and had probably had seen stories like this on the news or had spoken to friends about things similar to what happened to Jefferson. I am not sure that Gaines cried, but I surely did. There was something heavy and morbid about the ending that almost made me fearful of my own death. In conclusion, both of your ideas were well articulated, I just disagreed with them. But were all entitled to our opinions…right?
As I was reading some of my peers’ reviews of “A Lesson Before Dying”, Grisselle R.’s and Katherine T.’s responses caught my attention. While I was reading Grisselle’s, I noticed that she mentioned the connection that this book had with her favorite book, “To Kill A Mockingbird”. The themes mentioned in this book tie into what her favorite one is saying and I like the similarities. One part of her response that I was surprised at was her feelings towards Grant. Even though I am aware of how Grant’s attitude in certain situations was a bit harsh, I kind of agreed with her opinion on how she liked him less and less as she continued reading the story. One thing that I was not sure about was Gaines’ style of writing. When I was writing my review, his writing style did not cross my mind. Now that she has mentioned it, I can remember times when Gaines subtly said what he wanted; he was being slick. On the other hand, there was Katherine T.’s review. To me, Katherine’s viewpoint matched mine well. The main thing that I enjoyed about her response was how we basically said the same thing. I was so proud, in a way, when I saw how much Grant cared for Jefferson. The way Katherine wrote her response, made me think of a closed rose slightly opening in the very beginning of spring; Jefferson was coming into the person he was meant to become – a man. To answer one of her questions, I do not think that the author cried while writing the book. Instead, I believe that he actually cracked a smile. The smile probably happened because he could have realized how subtly and well he was touching on iffy topics with his book through the main characters, Grant and Jefferson. In response to a question, I believe that Jefferson’s death is disturbing; not only to blacks, but also to whites. It is disturbing to blacks because in today’s times, the black community is plagued with ridicule for always having black men going to jail and even being killed. To whites, it could be disturbing because a human’s life was lost. In my mind, Jefferson’s death served as a sort of wakeup call. Jefferson’s death was a wakeup call because it showed how valued an educated black person was at that time. If he would not have died, the same feeling towards education may have not been pinpointed.
“This book is a must read. It has absolutely everything in a great story. Things such as drama, tension, love, and tragedy are all found in A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest Gaines.” Said by Everett L., sums up the power behind Ernest Gaines novel, A Lesson Before Dying. “Although it has been a couple of weeks since I last picked up A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines, the book has left a lasting impression on me that not many are capable of.” Said by Griselle R., is the same story that has occurred throughout this assignment. For these reasons, I have chosen to address these to blogs by my peers. The racism that Everett L. described truly was an important and “enjoyable” part of A Lesson Before Dying. Throughout the novel, racism is a prominent factor in Grant’s, predominantly African American neighborhood. Like Everett, I also liked the conversation about myths between Grant and Jefferson, though it was VERY racist. In response to his question, I believe that Grant was hesitant in helping Jefferson because he really did not feel comfortable doing it. When Miss Emma asked he seemed very unsure of what she meant. In regards to the arrest, it was probably just because he was the only one left, and in theory, he was an accomplice. In response to Griselle, I to see a slight connection between A Lesson Before Dying and To Kill a Mockingbird. I too did not feel a connection with Grant. I think it was because of the fact that he was hesitant to help the convicted Jefferson. I think that subliminally, I thought that he was somewhat of a snob. The idea that was reflected in the novel that is still prominent today, even in a seemingly stable society, is racism.
Manslaughter has a constant presence in this book. Jefferson’s death is regarded especially highly. This is because his death brutally reminds us of the presence of racism in America’s past and in America today. The novel confronts the issue of racism through a young black man’s trial and has a deeper connection to our present circumstances than most like to admit. Within the first couple of chapters, we are introduced to Jefferson, a young black man suffering the harsh reality that is his society, a reality that includes the tyrannical reign of the white man and an unfair fate for many who do not fit into this category. Jefferson is one of the many. Our first response to this novel is to admit that yes, this is quite unfortunate and so was racism. Yes, so was racism. We often brush racism off as something that began and concluded long before a time, a mere page in America’s history. A bridge we have crossed, a trial we no longer face. But what many of us fail to realize or are perhaps afraid to admit, is that the judgment people such as Jefferson had to face long ago still exists today. No it is no longer prominent, but yes, it is still present. I am not solely referring to black vs. white. I am referring to preconceived notions vs. preconceived notion, on any racial level. The present climate is a conglomerate of many factors, including racism. Racism is a haze that prevents us from clearly seeing our fellow man. It is a haze that needs to be eradicated from our society. But, is it possible? Is pure determination enough to rid the world of racism? Or are biases that have been passed down from generation to generation impossible to remove? Is it possible to stop judging others? Or, is judgment, based on race or not, simply a part of human nature? As we know, Jefferson died a man. Is this proof that anything can be achieved, including an end to racial prejudiced? Or is this hinting that racism will always be present? This is why Jefferson’s death is so disturbing.
Katie, I thoroughly appreciated your entry, and found it nothing less than thought provoking. You questioned the morality behind both Grant’s and the “white man’s” manipulation of Jefferson. While there is no doubt both parties were using him for some sort of personal gain, Grant’s intentions were much more justified. As you mentioned, he was aiming to make Jefferson a man, and in this, set an example for his community. “I don’t want them to kill no hog. I want a man to go to that chair, on his own two feet” (13). Ethically speaking, this is much more acceptable than the alternative- using his situation to invoke fear into the minorities of society. Furthermore, you addressed the issue of Jefferson vs. the others. Who is more intelligent? You implied that Jefferson was the more intelligent of the two groups. While I understand your perspective, I must say I disagree. When talking about the prospect of dying a man, Jefferson says, “Nothing go’n happen, Mr. Wiggins. And it ain’t something like that. That’s all I got on this here earth. I got to face that” (224). Jefferson’s naivety prevents him from seeing that he can die a respected man. So, no, Jefferson is not more thoughtful than the others. Lastly, you asked if Jefferson’s path to humanity was different that what Grant expected. Yes, his path was definitely different. When first approached with the idea of making Jefferson a man, Grant was surprisingly cynical, and remained this way well into the story. In fact, he doubted there was any possibility of Jefferson changing. So, any path was different than the one he expected. Chrisite HH also commented on the novel. I was struck by how much I agreed with her response. Her concluding sentence, however, was probably the most intriguing. She wonders whether Jefferson ever had the chance to live. Sadly, I would have to say no he did not. Due to the society in which he lived- a white dominated one- and the biases associated with this type of society, his unfortunate outcome was almost inevitable.
Responding to Katie TC
Katie, in response to your previous post on A Lesson Before Dying by Earnest Gaines. , I would like to start off by saying that I have several disagreements with your point of view. First, in the post you stated that the story was mainly about, “a young black man living in the South, coming to terms with his own humanity”. I assume that by this you mean that the story was mainly about Jefferson. While partially the story was about Jefferson and his coming into manhood, he was not the main focus of the story. The story focuses on Grant instead of Jefferson because Gaines wants his readers to see Jefferson’s story through Grant’s eyes. Gaines does this because he feels that Jefferson is able to make a much greater impact on Grant’s life than Grant could ever hope to make on Jefferson’s. Another thing that you stated in your post that I think is incorrect is that you refer to Jefferson as a boy. However this is not completely correct. Grant is older than Jefferson but Jefferson, is not by any means a child. In Jefferson’s diary that he writes shortly before he dies he talks about his recent thoughts regarding what Grant has been teaching him. His ability to write and understand the concepts of sacrificing for others and being a symbol, demonstrates a comprehension far beyond many of those in our age group. Finally the last thing that I disagreed with you about was that I felt like when you said, “Grant, whose cold heart is warmed by this perverse paradox, helps guide Jefferson…”. By this I felt like you were suggesting that Grant wanted to help because he took pity on Jefferson. Of course this is false as Grant never would have gotten involved if he had a choice. Also responding to your question about whether one party using Jefferson is worse than another party using Jefferson, I wanted to say that I did not feel like Grant was using Jefferson. I say this because Grant never forces Jefferson to do anything, nor does he truly get anything but satisfaction out of Jefferson dying as a man. Instead Grant helps Jefferson to realize that he, like all other human beings, has the potential to do something great with his life. Also he does not force this upon Jefferson. Grant simply explains to him that he has a chance to do something great with his life and lets Jefferson decide what to do from that point; it is Jefferson’s choice to accept this.
Responding to Sasha S.
In Sasha’s blog post I felt like there was one major point on which I disagreed with her. This was that I felt like Jefferson died not because it made the story seem more realistic, but because I think that Gaines was trying to portray Jefferson as a Christ figure. Gaines is working, in this case to make Jefferson’s death be a new symbol of hope for the African American population in this time of oppression. By Jefferson dying with such dignity Gaines showed all, that Jefferson was more of a man than any of the white men who criticized him would ever be. This symbolized to the African American population that they were not worthless as whites had led them to believe for so long, and that they were worth every bit as much as the Caucasians. I think to some extent this answers all of Sasha’s questions, but I would like to talk more in depth about whether or not Jefferson was ever really a “hog”. I think to some extent he was, because at the beginning of the book Jefferson seemed to be the least likely person in the African American community to make a difference. However, as the story goes on Jefferson starts to become more conscientious of those around him and he seems to be completely different from the man he was at the beginning of the story.
After reading all of my fellow classmates blog responses to the novel A Lesson Before Dying by Earnest Gaines, out of all of the responses I agree the most with Jasmen and Kimkia. The thought of death is scary and in some cases, gruesome. I also feel as though because Jefferson had been convicted falsely of a crime he did not commit and being labeled as a hog, that is the reason why Jefferson’s death is so disturbing and unclear to the characters in the story, whether white or black. Jasmen is very descriptive in what she admires about the novel and as well as Kimkia. I agree with Jasmen when she states that A Lesson Before Dying is a very interesting read and the author, Earnest Gaines, captures the essence of the surroundings , characters, and time period well enough for the reader to be pulled into the novel so much that they are left speechless, or better yet even relate to the story. Jasmen goes on to say that the lesson of the novel, for Jefferson, is to never let someone persuade you into thinking that you are lesser than what you are, which I honestly agree with. However, I also feel as though Jefferson’s teacher, Grant, also learned a great lesson as well. That lesson would be on how to finally learn and realize what it is like to be a man. Kimkia stated that the entire novel was motivated on the single word “hog” and I agree with her. Although Jefferson’s godmother wanted him to become a man before he was sentenced to death, the word “hog” became the main reasoning of why it was crucial for this to happen. Kimkia also makes me view the novel from a different viewpoint. She states how black women played a major role in this novel and molded the story into something interesting and relatable, yet real. The novel A Lesson Before Dying was a great read for the year. I love how the author kept the reader intrigued and guessing for what was to come next, what was going to happen, or just hoping for a happy ending. Considering my classmates responses to the novel, I would think they enjoyed it as much as I did.
After reading the posts from other students in Techniques of Writing, I thought their responses to A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines, were interesting, and I found that they had discussed things I didn’t not even think of while I was reading the book. To respond to Michele’s question on whether it is right or not to put innocent humans to death, I would like to say that people usually do not. Even in the context of the book, the jury in the trial did not think they were putting an innocent man to death, or maybe some of them did, but they didn’t mean to. The jury members, in that time of racism and persecution, probably did not need much to convince them that Jefferson, or any black man, was guilty. Even the most vague piece of evidence would want to make them think that Jefferson had done something wrong, versus it being an accident or a man of their own skin color. Another reason they were tempted to say guilty was the fact that they wanted to leave the trial. When describing the trail in the beginning of the book, the narrator (Grant) says, “The judge commended the twelve white men for reaching a quick and just verdict” (8). There were probably some men in there that definitely stood their ground and said he was guilty. Knowing that they would not back down, any jury members that were on the fence about their position would be tempted to just go with guilty instead of arguing and staying in a room all day until the verdict is decided.
To respond to Everett’s question on Grant’s hesitation, I think that Grant was at first hesitant to help out Jefferson because he could not see the point in doing so. He thought that it would be a waste of time since Jefferson was dying anyway, whether he was a man or not. Grant was also not sure whether he wanted to spend all that time and effort trying to turn Jefferson into a man. He wasn’t sure whether he would even know how to teach it, or what to tell Jefferson so that he would believe his life had value. Eventually Grant got over his hesitation and got into his mission to make Jefferson a human.
I think that the lesson of the novel’s title applies to many characters, including Jefferson, Grant, Miss Emma, and others. More than one lesson does emerge throughout the novel, but theme and lesson that most of the characters learn has to do with human worth and what you have to offer the world. Jefferson realizes that he is worth something and how important he is to the community, while Grant realizes his role in the community as a leader and a teacher, both discovering along the way what they have to offer their community. It is because of this one central theme and lesson that the book is title A Lesson Before Dying, and not “Lessons Before Dying.” I think it was good that the title is written as a singular lesson because it makes the reader think more about the message the book is trying to convey.
Grant is educated. Jefferson is uneducated. Jefferson is the person giving the lessons to the black community in Ernest J. Gaines’ A Lesson Before Dying. Kelsea ask, “Why do you think Grant was so against aiding Miss Emma and Jefferson?” Truly, Grant did not believe visiting Jefferson would “aid” anybody. Instead, he questions himself and Aunt Emma by saying, “What can I do?...They never told be how to keep a black boy out of the liquor store” (p. 13). He adds to the belief that he cannot help this dismal situation by claiming, “Jefferson is dead…And I can’t raise the dead” (p. 14). Grant distanced himself from the situation before considering the potential benefits of following through with Aunt Emma’s request. He prematurely pronounced any future assistance as a waste of effort. Therefore, every action regarding it was unwanted and burdensome.
However, Grant has a lot to learn from himself and Jefferson as the novel progresses. Grant realizes that he does not have to teach Jefferson how to be a man. Instead, he just has to treat him as one, unlike the people that have surrounded him within the months leading to his death, in order for Jefferson to realize that he is truly a man. Meanwhile, Jefferson has taught those in the community to value life, even if others do not value it as much as oneself does. In this case, the all white jury did not value Jefferson’s life as Aunt Emma did, and Jefferson had to find a way to value his life, too.
In another post, David L. asked “Why would Reverend Ambrose call Grant uneducated?” Reverend Ambrose’s statement is slightly confusing, for we all know Grant is college educated and is a teacher. However, Grant is educated on scholastic subjects, but is uneducated about the lives and feelings of those around him. Grant may know about “reading, writing, and ‘rithmetic,” but Reverend Ambrose correctly affirms to him that “You don’t even know yourself” (p. 215). To answer David’s next question, Jefferson is an unwilling hero. He did not willingly change the hardened perspectives of Grant or evoke passion towards his moral justice in the community. Yet, it is the ability to accomplish such feats unintentionally that is truly heroic. In this novel, Jefferson is the one to learn from.
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