“A Lesson Before Dying” by Ernest J. Gaines is a powerful and moving novel set in 1948. Ernest J.Gaines is a son of a sharecropper in the southern part of the United States of America. This book has a lot to do with what Ernest experienced as a young man and deep into his adulthood as an African American. All that occurs in the book mirrors what was going on around him in that there was great tension based on racial discrimination. African Americans were subjected to great suffering by a society that refused to acknowledge not only there right to be in the United States, but also the right to call themselves humans.
Here are the key points:
Plot Summary:
- The story revolves around two black men: Grant Wiggins, a teacher, and Jefferson, a death row inmate.
- Jefferson is wrongly convicted of murder after a robbery attempt at a liquor store results in the death of a white owner and two black assailants.
- Miss Emma, Jefferson’s godmother, seeks dignity for him as he faces execution.
- Grant reluctantly visits Jefferson in jail, aiming to help him find strength and purpose.
Themes:
- Dignity: The novel explores the struggle for dignity in the face of injustice and racism.
- Education: Grant’s conflict between teaching on white terms and empowering his community.
- Heroism: Jefferson’s transformation from a broken man to someone who writes in a diary and faces his execution with strength.
Writing Style:
Gaines uses simple declarative sentences and everyday speech rhythms to convey intense emotions.
The novel avoids sentimentality and achieves a spare beauty.
Historical Context:
- Set in the racially segregated South, the book reflects the challenges faced by African Americans during that era.
A Lesson Before Dying delves into several powerful themes:
- Racial Injustice and Identity: The novel highlights the pervasive racism and discrimination faced by African Americans in the 1940s South. Jefferson’s trial and impending execution serve as a stark reminder of the dehumanization and prejudice prevalent during that era.
- Education and Empowerment: Grant Wiggins, the protagonist, is a teacher tasked with helping Jefferson find dignity and self-worth before his execution. The struggle for education becomes a symbol of empowerment and resistance against oppression.
- Community and Solidarity: The tight-knit community in Bayonne rallies around Jefferson, emphasizing the importance of collective support and unity. The characters grapple with their roles in uplifting one another.
- Death and Redemption: Jefferson’s impending death forces characters to confront mortality, redemption, and the meaning of life. Grant’s journey involves grappling with his own purpose and understanding the value of human life.
- Humanity and Compassion: The novel explores what it means to be truly human. Through interactions between Grant, Jefferson, and others, Gaines emphasizes the power of compassion, empathy, and understanding.
Short Overview
The book centers on two men, who are arguably the protagonists. These are Jefferson and Grant Wiggins. Grant Wiggins has managed to go to school and he is a school teacher. The black community around him looks up to him for guidance on a number of areas. Jefferson is the victim of false murder accusation after he witnesses the shooting of three people, two black and one white shop keeper. He is arrested for a crime he has not committed and sentenced to death through the electric chair. The racism that is so common in society comes out when the white lawyer defending Jefferson describes him as a hog. This means he is less human and therefore he should not be killed.
The society is torn apart and even Reverend Ambrose, a man who has gone to bible school is not sure whether he has true faith (Gaines 218).He thinks he lies in funerals and other functions where he talks about the presence of God. Grant, on his part is also not any better. He says he believes in God but is not sure about the soul. He does not believe in the soul (Gaines 214).The lack of faith in God even in people like Reverend Ambrose who should be calling people to God is a testimony of how the racism has eaten away their faith in a redeeming power.
Jim Crow has come with a set of racist rules and these lead to the separation of facilities used by blacks and whites. From schools to hospitals, there is the usage of different facilities for each race. The argument is that they are separate but equal. This kind of racism and discrimination is displayed only in people who seem to be slightly unintelligent in society. The whites who Gaines brings into the novel who are willing to advocate for unity and respect are brilliant and responsible. Paul Bonin and Sam, the sheriff are examples. This is true even today in our society. Racism is mainly witnessed among people who are of low intelligence and this low intelligence levels are the reason for the inability to understand that all humanity is as a result of God and there is no one superior or inferior. The book’s setting in a plantation and the interactions of the characters throughout the racial conflicts give it a very tense touch. The tone is sad due to the helplessness of people like Jefferson. It is a sentimental journey to America’s sad past.
In a book religion plays a significant role, especially through the character of Reverend Ambrose.
Grant’s Distrust of Organized Religion:
- Grant, a Catholic living in a predominantly Catholic community, grapples with questions of religion.
- Despite his peers and family members being devout Catholics, Grant distrusts organized religion as practiced by those around him.
- He particularly questions the concept of Heaven, which he sees as a way to keep the poor and powerless in line.
Ambrose’s Influence:
- Reverend Ambrose, the fiery leader of the black quarter’s religious community, serves as Grant’s primary foil.
- Ambrose believes that true faith in God shields believers against oppression.
- He considers Grant foolish for forsaking his religion and fears that Grant’s influence will be sinful for Jefferson.
Hope and Optimism:
- Grant’s cynicism contrasts with Ambrose’s hopeful approach.
- Ambrose lies to inspire hope and optimism, even if those lies provide momentary peace to those in pain.
- Grant realizes that such hope can provide strength, something he lacks.
Transformation:
- A turning point occurs when Ambrose confronts Grant after he gives Jefferson a radio.
- Ambrose challenges Grant’s understanding of religion and hope, emphasizing the power of faith and optimism.
A Lesson Before Dying explores the tension between skepticism and hope within the context of religion
Here are some memorable quotes from “A Lesson Before Dying”:
- “I want you to show them the difference between what they think you are and what you can be.” — Grant Wiggins
- “Tell them I’m a man.” — Jefferson
- “Sometimes you got to hurt something to help something.” — Vivian Baptiste
- “I don’t want them to kill no hog. I want a man to go to that chair, on his own two feet.” — Miss Emma
- “We all have to die, but it’s important what you die for.” — Reverend Ambrose
These quotes capture the novel’s themes of dignity, identity, and sacrifice.
“A Lesson Before Dying” is a poignant exploration of dignity, education, and heroism, beautifully written by Ernest J. Gaines. It remains an important work in American literature.