A Lesson Before Dying: Gaines E
An analysis of the human connections in A Lesson Before Dying, by Gaines
Set against the rural South of the 1940's: a hot, humid land plagued by racism and injustice, A Lesson Before Dying is a story of humanity and the impact of racial prejudice. Ernest J. Gaines weaves an intricate web of human connections, using the character growth of Grant Wiggins and Jefferson to subtly expose the effect people have on one another.
The novel centers on the relationship between Grant Wiggins, a local teacher, and Jefferson, a young black man falsely convicted of murder. Their rapport evolves and strengthens as Grant grows as a person. When the two first meet Grant is a faithless, resentful man, reluctant to teach Jefferson to "die like a man". While Jefferson is a sullen, withdrawn man believing himself to be no better than a hog. However, as the novel progresses Grant learns to accept his responsibilities as a result of his interactions with Jefferson, Vivian, Tante Lou, Reverend Ambrose, and Paul.
Grant is embittered by the black oppression of the South and the futility of his teaching position. Gaines uses characters such as Sheriff Guidry, Henri Pichot, and Mr. Joseph Morgan to demonstrate the white mentality toward African Americans. They depend on the dehumanization of the black population in order to justify segregation and maintain their power. Having been well educated, Grant feels he is equal to white men and resents being treated as their inferior. In contrast, a white deputy at the jail, Paul, does treat African Americans with respect and compassion.
The reader is able to gain insight into Grant's thoughts and frustrations through his conversations with Vivian, his girlfriend. He feels trapped in his present situation, and longs for the two of them to run away together. Seeing Jefferson's incarceration as further proof that his teaching has no impact on the students and unwilling to put himself at the mercy of Sheriff Guidry, Grant is reluctant to visit Jefferson in prison. However, out of respect for his Aunt, Tante Lou, and Jefferson's godmother, Miss Emma, he agrees to talk to him.
Through his visits with Jefferson, Grant begins to lose some of his bitterness and cynicism. He comes to believe that if Jefferson succeeds in dying with the dignity of a man he will achieve a level of salvation. It is in this respect that Gaines presents Jefferson as a Christ figure; a hero for the black people. Grant is finally able to reach Jefferson by simply showing him that he cares for and believes in him. It is by the simple human connection that Jefferson is able to find strength and courage to defy the white man's expectations and rise above their prejudice.
A Lesson Before Dying intricately intertwines the lives of two Louisiana schoolteachers, two older Christian women, a Reverend, and a wrongfully imprisoned man. Ernest Gaines tells a story of human interactions and overwhelming strength, with deeply universal roots that reach beyond race, social class, and religious beliefs.
About the Author:
Jennie R Poston is a young, up and coming artist living in South Carolina. She specializes in metal sculpture. To see her work and read more of her writing, please visit her website.
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