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Literary Analysis Of A Lesson Before Dying

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A Lesson before Dying The courthouse scene was the most important scene because it determines the plot for the rest of the novel. At the courthouse, Jefferson an innocent black man, was sentenced to death on a later be announced date. A school teacher named Grant, in a town called Bayonne is to teach an inmate that is on his death row sentence, the qualities of being a man and the process of not to die as a “hog”. Gaines uses in-depth characterization, styles, and themes to create his classic work. Gaines uses in-depth characterization to create his classic work. A dynamic character is a person in the story that changes throughout the story. An example of a dynamic character would be Jefferson. In the beginning of the novel he starts out as a simple character but after the court case, Jefferson was jailed and became depressed. Even after that, Jefferson began to show acceptance towards the end and showed healthier emotions. Grant, the narrator for most of the novel, is another example of dynamic characterization. The beginning of the book he didn't want to have to deal with comforting Jefferson, but as he got to know him more he showed more determination and developed a friendship …show more content…

Symbolism is used to represent ideas or qualities. Gaines uses the weather as an example to portray the current moods of people. An example would be the use of darkened clouds to symbolise the sadness that is to happen later in the day. Another use of symbolism would be the butterfly that Grant saw which symbolised Jefferson's passing away. The way it flaps its wings and stops repeatedly is as if it is was Jefferson waving goodbye to Grant. Furthermore, Gaines uses point of view to provide more vivid characterization. Most of the story is read from Grant’s perception, this allows the reader to see the plot progress from his sight. The reader has a bond with Grant’s thoughts and promotes vivid

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