A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest Gaines

Minette Ortega- Ounigian

[torimullenixapliterature]

Odd to think I am finished reading and thinking about A Lesson Before Dying because I’ve been reading and reflecting on it for a few months. Throughout my consistent reading I’ve learned and analyzed a lot of the African-American experience. It surprised me how, various things surprised me in the…

[minetteortega]

I agree that it was surprising to see how Grant and the other African Americans had to act dumb in front of the whites to be respectful. Grant should feel proud of himself and should be allowed to share his knowledge with others, no matter the race. It is unbelievable how Miss Emma has to ask permission to visit his own nephew and the Pichots struggle to allow it. If whites are discriminating blacks and accusing them of crimes, shouldn’t they at least have the right to say goodbye to their loved ones? Since whites discriminate blacks, blacks' self-esteem decreases and they see themselves as unworthy too. A perfect example is Jefferson because he knew he was human but after hearing the whites' thoughts he calls himself a hog. As you said, racism is still an issue going on around America and is something that should end because everyone is human and equal.

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"im gon sleep a long time after tomoro"

-(Gaines 233)

[minetteortega]

Continued..

Today, the state of race relations in the United States have changed. African Americans are no longer seen as property but are seen as humans. They have the opportunity to attend school and receive the equal education that whites have. A great example is President Obama. The fact that he is African American did not stand as a barrier during the elections. All blacks have the opportunity to achieve in life if they take the steps. Another example is that African Americans are usually seen as fast runners who usually end in first place. Now, they are not titled as inhuman but instead, they are seen as equally as everyone else. A Lesson Before Dying is relevant to Adventures of Huckleberry Finn because they both share the same message. Grant and Jim are both African American characters whom wish to escape their community and receive the freedom and happiness they deserve. Paul and Huck are white characters who see beneath the skin color and into the hearts of all human beings. Both novels teach the readers about the difficult struggles African Americans’ experienced.

[minetteortega]

Wow.. What an end!

From the beginning of the novel until the end, I can honestly say I was hooked. A Lesson Before Dying was not only a reminder of what the African Americans went through but it also served as an emotional understanding of their experiences. I already knew that they were mistreated and portrayed as inhuman but I had never fully felt their emotions. In the novel, I had an opportunity of examining the blacks’ life and having a sense of how unfair life was. The fact that blacks had to act dumb in front of whites to be respectful is heartbreaking. Educated people, no matter their race, should be capable of being themselves without fear of being accused of a crime. I was surprised that Paul symbolized hope because after all, he is a white man and they are supposed to separate themselves from blacks. Paul proved to be a trustworthy friend who cares for blacks’ freedom. Because Paul is an example of an individual who does not go with society, he is my favorite character. What did not surprise me was that Jefferson was determine to prove to the whites that he is a man that will walk with dignity to his execution. However, I think that there were not enough conversations between Grant and Jefferson that give a full image of how Grant touched Jefferson’s life. I thought that he could have included more deep, hearted conversations because at the end Jefferson thanks Grant for all he did.

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[minetteortega]

Every time Paul, the sheriff's deputy, and Grant have a conversation, it reminds me of the movie The Boy with the Stripped Pajamas because it shows how people can see beyond society's opinion and have the ability to accept one another.

[minetteortega]

I chose these pictures because they conclude my reflection paragraphs. Grant's determination will lead him to success and he will achieve what Miss Emma goals. Grant went through difficult situations to finally get Jefferson to have a decent conversation. Afterwards, Grant mentions that it was probably his best day ever.

[minetteortega]

reflection pgs. 152-203

Something that moves me the most about the protagonist’s, Grant, situation is his determination. At the beginning of the book, Grant did not want to cooperate in Jefferson’s life and help him become a better person before he was executed. He has struggled between what he wants and what his aunt wants for him, but has finally chosen the right path. I think that it is hard to have the responsibility of changing someone’s perspective of life, but if you truly want to leave a footprint in someone’s heart, then anything is capable if you have determination and desire. While visiting Jefferson in his jail cell, Grant experiences situations that make him feel pity towards Jefferson. Jefferson shares his story of the day he was accused of murderer; he was supposed to go hunting with Gable, his friend. Jefferson calls himself a hog and even eats on his knees, like an animal. If I was in Grant’s shoes, I would try my best not to break down into tears because it is extremely unlucky to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and as a result, be accused for a crime you did not commit. Grant can see the pain in Jefferson’s eyes and personally, it would be extremely difficult to help Jefferson forget about his past and help him have hope for a better future. Finally, Grant has decided to help Jefferson and he has achieved his goal of having an ongoing conversation with Jefferson without him calling himself a hog. Even though Grant has become infuriated over Jefferson’s attitude, he has never given up. Grant has determination and is eager to help Jefferson. However, he is now not only doing it for Vivian and Miss Emma, but for himself as well. He is persevered to make Jefferson the person who will make a difference in all African American’s lives and become a hero. I love the idea that Jefferson will change how white’s view blacks by dying with dignity, heart, and love. If I were chosen to help Jefferson die with dignity, it would be difficult to visit him in a jail cell and see him suffer because of something he did not do. I am someone who gets stressed very easily and if Jefferson behaved the same way, I am scared I could lose my determination. I am very emotional and most likely, I would be incapable of controlling myself and would have watery eyes throughout my visits. Even though Grant states that he is not a hero, I definitely see him as one for his dedication and ability of not giving up.

[minetteortega]

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[anasofiaot]

Grant feels education is a big part in a person’s life. He specifically tells Jefferson that he teaches so his students won’t end up like him in jail. But this contradicts his actual feelings for teaching. Grant hates teaching and feels his struggle and hard work will not help his students in any...

[minetteortega]

It is unfair for the African Americans to feel less smarter than the white. Grant himself admits that he is probably smarter than some whites but in chapter, he says that he must appear dumber in front of the whites in order to respect them. Grant's friends and family have the correct perspective of education. He should feel lucky that he received the education that many did not. I can say that I feel extremely blessed to have the opportunity to attend OLP and receive the best education possible.

[torimullenixapliterature]

Education is considered to be one of the most or perhaps the most powerful tool a person can have. Knowing random facts or specifics about certain subjects is applauded however having too much information or intelligence is often feared. Knowing a lot about certain things isn’t always enjoyable...

[minetteortega]

I loved your first two paragraphs, great way to introduce the topic. You gave the perfect examples to describe your thoughts and they were clear to the reader. I agree that education guarantees respect and Tante Lou admires Grant and wants him to share his knowledge with others because education helps him be superior to others. Your examples of the third paragraph prove that Jefferson sees Grant as a role model whom has been lucky to receive the appropriate education to succeed in life? Perhaps it could be his eagerness to change Jefferson's perspective of life.

[minetteortega]