Chapters 29-31 Journal Entry By: Sung Cho (I have read the entire book multiple times) In chapter 29, Gaines shows us the world from Jefferson’s perspective. The establishment of a clear point of view for Jefferson symbolizes the newfound maturity and self-awareness that Jefferson has discovered under Grant’s guidance. In Jefferson’s nightmare the fantasy of walking to a door seems to symbolize death and the afterlife—just as Jefferson and Grant don’t know if there’s a Heaven or not, Jefferson doesn’t know what lies “beyond the door.” We see, via Jefferson’s point of view, that Ambrose continues to impress upon Jefferson the importance of religion and the church. Jefferson’s thoughts as a young man mirror Grant’s—both men experience so …show more content…
Grant organizes the visit, and even the children themselves give Jefferson gifts. It’s important that Jefferson didn’t realize how many visitors he’d have—Jefferson doesn’t realize how many people love him and defend him. He seems to treat this knowledge as an impetus to behave with even more courage and dignity—thus, he waits to cry until everyone’s left, showing his self-control and selflessness. He is recognizing and embracing his importance to the community. In a way, Jefferson has been building up to this moment throughout A Lesson Before Dying. At first, he neglected his godmother, who’s raised him since he was a child. Now he lets her embrace him (and embraces her back) for as long as she needs. Here, Jefferson’s actions resemble nothing so much as a sinner confessing his sins on his deathbed. (Ironically, this would make Grant, not Reverend Ambrose, the “priest.”) His final words to Grant show that Grant has succeeded as a teacher. Jefferson enjoys the food he eats before he dies—he’s finally learned to take pleasure in the physical world instead of rejecting material pleasures and falling into cynicism and self-loathing. He experiences the love and