Abstract The paper explains the causes and effects of racism in the South of the 1940's, as described in the book "A Lesson Before Dying" by Ernest Gaines.
From the Paper ""Cause and Effect, A Lesson Before Dying" describes the tension in the lives of African-Americans during the 1940's in the South. It describes the systematic forms of racism that characterized life in the South. This systematic racism includes providing substandard education to black children and systematically excluding blacks from good paying jobs."
Tags: cause and effect, a lesson before dying, racism, Jim Crow, South
Abstract A look at the questions of racism and human dignity raised in Gaines' novel, "A Lesson Before Dying" and how the imprisoned and oppressed may find freedom even in the moment of their death.
From the Paper "In a small Cajun community during the 1940's in Louisiana, a young black man is about to go to the electric chair for murder. A white shopkeeper has been murdered during a robbery gone bad; and though the young man on trial had not been armed and had not pulled the trigger, in that time and place, there could be no doubt of the verdict or the penalty. "I was not there, yet I was there. No, I did not go to the trial, I did not hear the verdict, because I knew all the time what it would be" (p.3). So begins Grant Wiggins, the narrator of Ernest J. Gaines' powerful exploration of race, injustice, and resistance, A Lesson Before Dying. "
Abstract This paper explains the concepts of Nihilism and Theism and how they are shown in "A Lesson Before Dying" through the character, Grant Wiggins.
From the Paper "Missionary anthropologist Paul Hiebert once wrote, ?Theology is not simply a system of beliefs to be added alongside the others. Theology is the master blueprint on which all other blueprints are mapped.? Set in a segregated Cajun plantation quarter community in the late 1940's, "A Lesson Before Dying" tells the story of a man's struggle to find meaning in life and come to terms with being wrongfully convicted of murder. Grant Wiggins is a black teacher living with Tante Lou, whose friend Miss Emma is the godmother of Jefferson, a man wrongly convicted of robbery and murder. When the defending attorney calls Jefferson a hog during the trial, Miss Emma is determined to have Wiggins teach Jefferson that he is a man, not a hog, before he dies. Through his meetings with Jefferson, Wiggins finds that he too is deprived of liberty. Although university educated, his ways are barred. For example, he can find no better job than teaching in the small plantation church school. "A Lesson Before Dying" illustrates how people insist on declaring the value of their lives in a time and place in which those lives count for nothing. The film shows ways in which the imprisoned may find freedom even in the moment of their death. "A Lesson Before Dying" uses the character Grant Wiggins to address the basic predicament of what it is to be a human being, a creature striving to find their place in the universe, whatever it may be. Through his actions in the movie ?A Lesson Before Dying,? Grant Wiggins demonstrates the principles of worldviews Nihilist and Theist before ultimately realizing his true place in the world."
Abstract The movie, "A Lesson Before Dying," based on the book by Ernest J. Gaines, contains several conflicts among characters existing at various points throughout the movie. Three of the biggest conflicts existing in the movie are over race, religion, and education. This paper discusses how these conflicts spur the storyline on.
From the Paper "Jefferson and Wiggins conflict over Jefferson's true worth. This is the main conflict in the movie. In teaching Jefferson a lesson before dying, Wiggins tries to persuade Jefferson that he does have inherent worth as a human being (although one wonders if Wiggins truly believes this, at least at the beginning of his visits with Jefferson). Wiggins' visits to and resulting friendship with Jefferson helps Jefferson realize that he is worthy as a human being, even before he dies for a crime he did not commit. Jefferson dies with the dignity of a man and not feeling like an animal, just as Miss Emma had hoped he would. "
Tags: black, louisiana, movie, race, television, white
Speaks of the parallels between the oppression that existed before the civil rights movement as spoken of in Ernest J. Gaine's famous novel, "A Lesson Before Dying", and the societal oppression that is still felt today in 2005.
Abstract Ernest J. Gaines' famous novel, "A Lesson Before Dying" accents the tension inherent among African-Americans across the country during the 1940s. This essay draws parallels between the societal oppression felt by African-Americans before and during the civil rights movement and the oppression that is still felt by young Americans today.
From the Paper "Gaines's novel examines the difficulties facing African Americans in the rural South during the 1940s, but the historical content covers nearly a century. Between 1910 and 1970, more than six million blacks left the South. During this time, the Civil Rights Movement did much to increase civil equality among the races. But, these strides did not come without blood, sweat, and tears. Jefferson's struggle in the novel parallels the paramount effort, determination, and persistence made by many African Americans during the Civil Rights movement. The road was long, but the benefits of staying the course were innumerable. College students can learn a lot from Gaines's novel. Discrimination and oppression still exist in 2005 even though it has taken on new forms and faces. No fight worth fighting is ever easy, and if college students want to change society, they must stand for their rights and use their voices."
Tags: discrimination, oppression, racial, tension, Jefferson
Abstract This paper explains that, in Ernest J. Gaines' novel "A Lesson before Dying", race is the obvious issue in the story with which the author and the main character Grant Wiggins struggle; however, equally important to the novel is the issue of gender. The author points out that the relationship between Grant Wiggins and the women in his life -- Tante Lou, Miss Emma and Vivian -- can be examined in terms of how men and women understand each other and what the expectations were for black men in the South. The paper concludes that, in the end, Grant learns, through the amazing example of Jefferson's actions, that it is possible to be a man even under the most miserable conditions imaginable.
From the Paper "Even though Grant's relationship with Tante Lou and Miss Emma is at times hostile, he still respects them as elderly women in his society. In chapter twelve upon returning from visiting Jefferson in jail and having a bad experience, Grant does not want to tell Miss Emma what has happened. He tries to protect her by thinking of a good lie to tell her so her feelings won't be hurt. He is also respectful of his aunt's feelings throughout the novel because he lives in her house and she raised him."
Abstract This paper discusses Ernest J. Gaines' book, "A Lesson Before Dying", and its theme that religion is important to society because faith gives people hope and perseverance. The paper summarizes and analyzes the book in order to illustrate how Gaines walks the reader through a process of spiritual evolution that lends hope to the hopeless.
From the Paper "The antithesis to Grant Wiggins in the novel is the Reverend Ambrose, a man who was never formally educated or ordained. His belief in religion appears to be absolute. He is a local church figure who preaches every Sunday at the small local church that Jefferson and Grant's aunt attends. He recognizes that religion, although intangible, is often the most cherished possession his people have. Like Grant, Reverend Ambrose goes to see Jefferson. He brings the words of the gospel and Jesus Christ into the small cramped jail cell with him, yet he fails to reach Jefferson in any significant way."
Abstract The paper examines the acting of Don Cheadle, the costuming used and the cinematic devices in the film "A Lesson Before Dying". The paper shows how this film reflects the social scenario of African Americans where the color of their skin only lets them go so far in society before they are brought back down by racism and prejudice.
Outline:
Introduction
Acting of Don Cheadle as Grant
Costuming
Cinematic Effects
Conclusion
From the Paper "A Lesson Before Dying is ultimately a demonstration of the fact that as hard as the black man in America works to better himself, he cannot forget or distance himself from other less fortunate members of his race, nor can he expect in a racist society to break the associations of even the most educated black man from racist cultural stereotypes. This is the protagonist Grant's ultimate realization, and comprises the thematic arc of his journey. When he is first approached by Miss Emma to visit Jefferson, he acts as an arrogant and relatively conceited educated man who looks down upon others who are less educated and hard-working than he, not only because they are less educated, but because they reflect negatively on the black person in society by not making something of themselves. In the relationship that Grant unexpectedly discovers with Jefferson, he is given a glimpse into himself; one from which when he walks away he will never be the same."
Abstract This paper examines how through Ernest J. Gaines's novel "A Lesson Before Dying" and Wendell Berry's "Hannah Coulter", we can see the importance of giving the living a lesson about death. It looks at how death is viewed in both stories as a natural part of life and as something that should be used to educate the living. It shows how in "A Lesson Before Dying", this education occurs through Jefferson's character, when he is told to die with pride and therefore set an example for others, demonstrating to them that there is nothing to fear from death. It also discusses how in "Hannah Coulter", the idea of dying with dignity is demonstrated through Nathan's traumatic struggles with the fact that he watched so many die without dignity.
From the Paper "In Ernest J. Gaines novel, A Lesson Before Dying, readers are presented with a very serious dilemma regarding the death penalty, and the concept of inflicting death as a punishment. The story is about a man who is arrested and persecuted for a killing that he, in fact, had no part in. This character, Jefferson, was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time; as a result of his bad luck, he was accused of killing three men. However, Jefferson was simply there; he did nothing wrong and took no part in this crime. The unfortunate circumstance for Jefferson is the fact that he is poor and black, and these two stereotypical factors prevent must individuals from actually believing that Jefferson is innocent. In response to the present crime, Grant Wiggins comes into the story. "
Abstract This paper looks at how both Ernest Gaines and William Faulkner utilize the idea of a metaphorical Christ-figure in their respective novels "A Lesson Before Dying" and "Light in August." Though the type of Christ-figure portrayed in each novel differs dramatically, the writer shows how both tie into the Biblical story of Jesus in a unique way and impart in the reader a better understanding of overall themes and morals that the author attempts to convey.
From the Paper "Clear evidence exists in both A Lesson Before Dying and Light in August to indicate that Jefferson and Christmas are intended by the authors as Christ-figures. In Lesson, Gaines frequently refers directly to religious times like Easter in connection with Jefferson's execution. Even more blatantly, Jefferson says to Wiggins while in jail, "Me, Mr. Wiggins. Me. Me to take the cross?? This establishes beyond reasonable doubt that Jefferson's character has some religious significance in the context of Christ. Faulkner also clearly alerts his readers to the connection between Joe Christmas and Christ. Christmas' name alone, which contains within it the name Christ and the initials "J.C.," provides enough to establish the relationship. Further evidence exists in numerous references to crucifixion and wooden poles that may serve as metaphors for the cross."
Abstract This paper summarizes Gaines's novel, "A Lesson Before Dying," analyzes the characters in the novel, and examines the themes of the story about manhood, duty, and respect for one's elders and how they relate to the author's own life.
From the Paper "The civil rights movement came about because there was so much discrimination and prejudice against African-Americans in the United States. This discrimination was very bad for racial relations between whites and blacks, and it made blacks feel like even though they were no longer slaves, they were not really ?free.? In the first fifty-to-sixty years of the Twentieth Century, blacks were treated with very little respect, especially in the south. Gaines writes about characters that lived then, but rather than preach to his readers about how bad it was for blacks back then, he lets the story come out through his characters."
Abstract This paper discusses and details the plot while focusing on the main characters of Jefferson and Grant in Gaines' novel. The writer of this paper contends and explains why this particular novel, which deals with racism, injustice and the pain of life and death, should be required reading in schools across America. This paper examines the judicial system in 1940s America particularly as seen through the eyes of a falsely convicted African-American man. This paper explores the close bond between Jefferson and Grant as well as the author's underlying themes of injustice and prejudice as they relate to the rights of African-Americans in the early 20th century. The writer also discusses Gaines' clear message pertaining to the value of each and every human being, regardless of race.
From the Paper "Another important aspect of this novel is the certainty of death. Everyone faces it - it is how he or she faces it that makes the difference. Gaines writes, "I don't know when I'm going to die, Jefferson. Maybe tomorrow, maybe next week, maybe today. That's why I try to live as well as I can every day and not hurt people." Jefferson faces his death with dignity, which he learns in part from his interact with Grant. Critic Beavers notes, "Though Jefferson's death is certain, Grant's task -- which becomes Jefferson's legacy -- is to impart some of himself, to demonstrate to Jefferson a way to improvise upon a negative situation till he discovers dignity and purpose" (Beavers 31). Each man learns something valuable from the other, and that is another major point of the novel. Gaines is showing the reader they can learn from anyone, no matter how "insignificant" they may seem. Everyone has a lesson and everyone can be a pupil, no matter who they are or what they do in life."
Abstract The following discussion provides an analysis of several stories that offer a sense of hope and acknowledgement of the value of reading through the stories that books tell. The writer portrays that these stories also convey a sense of understanding of societal circumstances, as well as hope and courage, which offer a means of discovery and the realities that life brings.
From the Paper "Ernest J. Gaines' book 'A Lesson Before Dying' provides a unique examination of a man's impending death by electrocution through the eyes of a narrator who is forced into a lifestyle that he is not willing to accept as his only alternative. This book describes the lessons to be learned and the price that must be paid in order to promote self-awareness, courage and determination in a difficult society, where circumstances are not always fair, nor are they supportive of the common good. During a particularly difficult period in history, the lives of blacks were affected by many racist attitudes and beliefs that conveyed a sense of loss and confusion regarding their place in the world and in society."
Abstract The following discussion describes the relevant themes of several stories as told through the eyes of different authors. The writer comments that it is expected that throughout society, there is strong evidence to suggest that individuals must utilize their reading skills and talents in order to facilitate their own understanding of knowledge and the learning process.
From the Paper "Throughout society, the value of learning and the acquisition of knowledge have always been critical to the development of an intelligent and proactive human spirit. As time passes, it is important to examine the past and to identify various resources that have led to new and exciting discoveries that are applicable to life circumstances. Many stories provide real life examples of the role of learning and knowledge in the promotion of intelligence, and the stories offered by Ernest J. Gaines and others are no exception. There are many examples of learning that are provided in these stories, and it is evident that there are a number of relevant descriptions that are worth noting throughout these characterizations."
Abstract This paper summarizes and analyzes Ernest J. Gaines' novel about a black man unjustly sentenced to death because the legal system of the Jim Crow South is so prejudiced the white jurors selected to judge him cannot see the truth. The paper relates that the story begins in a world where there has been a profound breakdown of all communication systems but by the end of the novel the two main protagonists are able to communicate by finding common ground and points of connection and, as a result, have changed within. The paper concludes that, although society has not changed by the end of the novel and the transformation experienced by the main characters is not enough to heal the world, the message of the story is still positive and inspiring enough for the reader to keep in his or her mind, long after closing the book.
From the Paper "Even though Grant does not consider himself a believer, culturally the two men also share a common childhood education in religion, which they have begun to doubt or reject. Jefferson has to ask Grant if Christmas marks the birth of Jesus, during one of their first conversations. At the beginning of the novel, Grant rejects Christianity as a white invention. But by the end of the novel, he asks his students to pray on the day when Jefferson is scheduled to die. The unjust death of Jesus becomes a metaphor for both men, of the wrongful death of Jefferson and the suffering of all black men and women. Grant becomes impressed by the strong faith of the religious people of the nation, such as the Reverend Ambrose. He gradually becomes impressed by how the black men and women of his community are able to keep their faith, even when they live in a world of injustice. Christmas is a palpable presence in the novel, as Grant feels loneliest during Christmas. Jefferson dies around Easter-time. The Christian calendar underlines the similarities between the two men, and their common, eventually shared faith. Over the course of the novel, the men discover as they have more and more in common, even in small aspects of their lives and childhood. The two men used to listen to the same radio program as children, and Grant gives Jefferson a radio to connect him to positive memories, and to a sense of his culture outside of the prison. He brings gifts from his students, and also a pencil and paper, to give Jefferson the dignity of being able to express his innermost feelings. Jefferson feels like a beast, but self-expression brings back his sense of humanity. Words and writing have always been very important to Grant, and the come to be equally important to Jefferson."
