Analysis Of A Lesson Before Dying By Ernest J. Gaines

December 18, 1865, marked the end of African-American slavery in America, black people gained more freedom in the land. However, a power imbalance between the black and white is still present. A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines gives readers insight to the immense abuse and hatred towards black people in the 1940s of America and furthers the reader's knowledge of black segregation. The novel’s main plot follows Grant Wiggins, a young black man who was given the responsibility to make Jefferson, a black who was unjustifiably accused of murder and sentenced to death by electrocution become truly a man and not a “hog” which is what the lawyer labeled Jefferson as. Throughout the novel, readers can recognize the great bond created as Grant

Afterward Jefferson’s trial, Miss Emma was resented at the fact the judge called Jefferson a “hog”, due to the fact she taught Jefferson all he knows. Nevertheless, Miss Emma forced Grant to talk to Jefferson to abolish the ideology that Jefferson is a hog, rather he is a man. By telling Grant “you go’n do it” (Gaines 14), and by also saying “you going to go up there Grant, or you don’t sleep in this house tonight” (Gaines 14). Both quotes provide further reasons why never giving is an important trait to have before dying, as it provides the ability to force others to do what you do. Seemingly, it was not straightforward to get Grant the privilege of speaking to Jefferson in his jail cell. Miss Emma confronted Henri Pichot, pleading to give allow Grant to see Jefferson. Henri denied all requests from Miss Emma at first, but she did not take no for an answer (Gaines 22, 23). Emma persuaded Henri by telling him all the things he has done for the family, Henri finally agreed to get Grant a way to speak to Jefferson. Never giving up can also change the lives of others, which can be seen when Miss Emma visits Jefferson. Miss Emma would pack a basket filled with “food and fresh clothes for him” (Gaines 69). Even though bringing a basket filled with food and clothes, she still believed it will help in bringing a sense of hope in Jefferson. She

Before Grant was eligible to visit Jefferson, Grant had to speak to Sheriff Guidry but the sheriff “don’t like the idea at all. Saying nobody can make that thing a man…” (Gaines 46). Seemingly, the sheriff already made up his mind which was Grant could not see Jefferson as it seemed useless. Notwithstanding the fact Sheriff Guidry will presumably deny Grant’s proposition, Grant still waited for “about two and a half hours.” (Gaines 47). Due to Grant’s persistence, he could see Jefferson even though the sheriff was unhappy with his decision and Grant, proving that never giving up will help one reach their goal. Throughout the novel, Grant consistently never gave up on Jefferson. Likewise, to Miss Emma, Grant never gave up on Jefferson. Even though Jefferson insulted Grant, and his girlfriend, and ate the food Miss Emma packed like a “hog” in front of him, Grant kept his bearing and persisted in making numerous visits to Jefferson. Additionally, Grant brought items for Grant including a radio and a notebook to better their relationship, and to make Jefferson a man. As a present, Grant wanted to buy Jefferson a radio to benefit their relationship and to help Jefferson through the tough times when thinking about his death. Grant wanted to buy Jefferson a new radio, but the