A Lesson Before Dying Literary Analysis Paper

Literary Analysis Paper “I want you to show them the difference between what they think you are and what you can be.” -Ernest J. Gaines

Gaines is describing the importance of proving to oneself their true limits and defying the standards of others. These themes will be extremely important throughout the novel, A Lesson Before Dying. Gaines acknowledges the importance of dignity when evaluating what makes one human, as well as the effect of racism on African-American’s mental health during this time period and beyond. Ernest J. Gaines, born in Oscar, LA in 1933, is an African-American author and educator. He depicted the African-American experience throughout the birth of the Civil Rights Movement and in a time where those with dark skin were treated terribly and viewed as sub-human. Most of his novels take place in rural Louisiana and he is known for his “Gripping realistic narratives,” (Barrow). His works are based primarily off the moral principles of knowing one’s place, family, and tradition. Gaines also commonly reflects a character

Grant says, “Do I know how someone is supposed to die…Am I supposed to tell someone how to die who has never lived?” (). Jefferson has an extremely low IQ, has never traveled out of Louisiana, and has never been respected as a ‘real man’. Grant is concerned that he cannot complete his task since Jefferson has had no real-life experiences. Sadly, people like Jefferson were raised to work in the fields all their lives and never amount to anything, because at that time, African-Americans were treated as the ‘scum’ of society and given severe disrespect. With constant prejudice and racial slurs being thrown around, how could someone possibly gain respect for themselves? One only receives respect when one respects themselves