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African American Women In A Lesson Before Dying

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African American women play significant roles throughout the storyline in the novel A Lesson Before Dying. Two strong and self-sufficient women, Tante Lou, and Miss Emma, impacted the decision men made despite the woman's position in society. As African American women in 1940’s southern society, they were not afraid to push boundaries and speak up for what they believed in. As an example, Jefferson’s lawyer likened his clients execution to that of a hog. Miss Emma and Tante Lou want Jefferson to die not like a hog but like a man. They persuade Grant, a teacher, to use his influence to convince Jefferson that he is indeed a man, and his life is more valuable than that of a hog. During an exchange with Grant in the kitchen, Miss Emma and Tante Lou confront Grant about what they want. The author illustrates the blunt approach the two women take as they discuss the matter with Grant: …show more content…

Henri,’ Miss Emma said to him. ‘I’m not begging for his life no more; that’s over. I just want to see him die like a man. This family owe me that much, Mr. Henri. And I want it.’” (Gaines 22) Miss Emma is a persistent women who is not intimidated by a person’s social or racial status. Nor does Miss Emma despair because of the color of her skin or economic statues. Miss Emma has done a lot over the years for the Pichot family and feels she has earned this favor. The subject of the book “Social Justice In These Times”, Miss Rosa Parks demonstrates many similarities to Miss Emma in A Lesson Before Dying. Miss Emma and Rosa Parks quietly persevere. Miss Emma sets a “precedent by being the first black person to have coffee in Edna’s Guidry’s living room” and Rosa Parks’ “defiant act set in motion the Civil Rights movement”. Both women showed strength and determination in the face of adversity. Another example of the influence of Miss Emma and Tante Lou on Grant occurs when the teacher expresses why he feels unable to impack Jefferson. Grant

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