A Lesson Before Dying Setting Analysis

In the novel, A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines, the setting, especially the social and racial aspects of the setting are an integral part of Gaines’ novel. From the first chapter of the novel, racial aspects have played heavily into the story. For example, Jefferson’s defense states, “What justice would there be to take this life? Why, I would just as soon put a hog in the electric chair as this” (8 Gaines). Even if this was meant to help Jefferson’s case, it ultimately just showed how racism plays into the court system. Additionally, it introduces a pattern in the book where white men seem determined to use their social status to humiliate black men and women. This can be seen when the school superintendent comes to Grant’s class,

One example of this is in chapter 4 and Grant is driving through Bayonne listing off the different buildings that were segregated, such as the white Catholic church and the black Catholic church, as well the segregated movie theatres and elementary schools. Even in the prison, white and black prisoners are kept separate. Additionally, it isn’t just a separation of races, but black people had lesser quality buildings and things compared to white people. For example, at the school Grant works at school supplies are typically hand-me-downs from the white schools, and they need more books, paper, and chalk, as well as a heater. Overall, the setting of the book highlights how racial segregation, racism, and social dynamics between white and black people play into the main plot of the book where Jefferson, a black man, is wrongfully sentenced to

He claims nothing matters and doesn’t want to talk or eat. Jefferson has a very low sense of self-worth, this is connected to the way he was treated at his trial, but also probably his whole life growing up in a racially segregated town. Jefferson believes he may really be no better than a hog, just like his lawyer stated during his trial. He states, “’I’m a old hog…Just a old hog they fattening up to kill for Christmas” (83 Gaines). Jefferson believes the idea that he is less human than a white person and has become obsessive with the idea he is no better than a