Comparing The Dehumanization Of The Black Community In A Lesson Before Dying

The novel A Lesson Before Dying was written by author Ernest J. Gaines and was published in 1993. The book outlines the segregation faced by the black community in the time of the 1940’s in Louisiana. Throughout the book Jefferson a slow witted young man is convicted of a crime he did not commit and is sentenced to death in court. While in court Jefferson’s lawyer calls him a hog by stating “What justice would there be to take this life? Justice, gentlemen? Why, I would just as soon put a hog in the electric chair as this.”(4) outlining the dehumanization of the black community which is consistent throughout the novel. This enables the introduction of the protagonist Grant Wiggins. Grant is approached by Jefferson’s godmother seeking help in order to make sure that Jefferson dies a man and not

Common forms of segregation of the black community were actions such as having them sit at the back of public buses and designating different drinking fountains as seen in my visual piece. Another quote stated within the court “A white man had been killed during a robbery, and though two of the robbers had been killed on the spot, one had been captured, and he, too, would have to die.” the use of adjectives in this shows the balance of power between the two races and implies that if they robber had been white he would have been convicted differently. The use of the image portraying slavery emphasizes the injustice and little power the black community struggled with. Other examples of this power imbalance is shown consistently throughout the book, for example the quote "I have no idea." He stared at me, and I realized that I had not answered him in the proper manner. "Sir," I added.” also highlights how the imbalance of power inflicted fear upon the black community. Throughout the book Grant tries his best to ensure that Jefferson’s death has a meaning and an impact on the