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The Theme Of Selflessness In Ernest Gaines A Lesson Before Dying

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Many people consider simple acts a small act of kindness or simply putting people before they put themselves but there is more to it as this action is called selflessness. These acts can make a positive impact in someone elses lives. Being set in the 1940s slavery was still a prominent concept during that time period. Ernest Gaines, the author of A Lesson Before Dying creates a character in his novel named Grant who provides guidance, to a troubled character Jefferson through a rough period of time in his lifetime. Throughout his novel, multiple times Gaines portrays the theme that we should incorporate this simple deed in our daily lives.
Once you have been called or told something it starts to stick in your brain. Unfortunately the same …show more content…

Grant tries teaching Jefferson what he believes a hero is and how he does not necessarily feel like he belongs. He says, “Do you know what a hero is, Jefferson? A hero is someone who does something for other people… I don't like it; I hate it. I don’t even like living here. I want to run away. I want to live for myself and for my woman and for nobody else. That is not a hero. A hero does for others.” (Gaines 194) Although Grant still did not like coming to visit Jefferson he starts to realize how these lessons are helping Jefferson become less broken and not as angry anymore. Grant feels helpless like he is a prisoner in his own life. If Vivian and the students were not there he would have probably left already and tried to start a new life. We all have those days when we do not like anything that is happening. Throughout the story,Vivian reminds Grant that he should face his problems and not leave like he is intending to, "You know you can't ...You love them more than you hate this place."(Gaines 94) So Vivian helps Grant realize that he can make a difference and it is positive whether he accepts it or not. So though it's not directly mentioned under the influence of Vivian, Grant starts to help more people such as Jefferson and his students. So sometimes all we need is a positive mentor to guide us in the right

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