Comparing A Lesson Before Dying 'And Letter From Birmingham Jail'

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In the two texts, A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines and Letter From Birmingham Jail by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, the two authors use two similar situations to show the reader how dealing with tough times can bring out the best in people and spark a movement of change. In A Lesson Before Dying, Gaines depicts the story of Grant Wiggins, a black school teacher in the racially segregated South, who is given the task with profound responsibility of educating Jefferson, a black man sentenced to death for a crime he did not commit. Letter From Birmingham Jail is a moving essay written by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. when he was imprisoned. In it, he stresses the need of fighting for justice and equality and defends nonviolent protests against …show more content…

She asks Grant to understand the importance of his role in Jefferson's life, realizing that he might not understand that he needs his advice. Grant then considers his own interactions with Jefferson, pointing out the turning point they experienced in their most recent meeting. For Jefferson, it was the first time he felt more like a dehumanized "hog." The passage supports the topic sentence because it shows how adversity can transform people and inspire them to fight for justice and fairness. Grant's help in assisting Jefferson, makes him realize his own value and his own experience of being dehumanized shows how lasting pain may inspire people to actively pursue fairness even when faced with difficult circumstances. It emphasizes the authors' common theme on the importance of striving for justice and equality despite obstacles and the power of adversity. In Letter From Birmingham Jail, Dr. King, along with other civil rights advocates, fought against the unfair laws and traditions of the time, advocating justice and equal rights for African Americans. Due to his commitment to the civil rights struggle and his willingness to face injustice, even at considerable personal danger, Dr. King was imprisoned. While being in