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| Edition: | Profile Books (Hardcover) |
| Author: | Ernest J. Gaines |
| Published: | February 2001 |
| Pages: | 256 |
| ISBN 10: | 185242723X |
| New: | $6.86 (22) |
| Used: | $0.01 (19) |
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A Lesson Before Dying is Ernest J. Gaines' eighth novel, published in 1993.
Title
The title of this novel is imperative in understanding one of the major themes. The entire book focuses on Grant’s attempts to teach Jefferson a lesson. In order for Grant to be able to show Jefferson how to ‘become a man,’ he must himself understand the meaning. Symbolically, the butterfly towards the end of the novel is proof that both of these men have succeeded in their goals.
- “I probably would not have noticed it at all had a butterfly, a yellow butterfly with dark spots like ink dots on its wings, not lit there. What had brought it there? …I watched it fly over the ditch and down into the quarter, I watched it until I could not see it anymore. Yes, I told myself. It is finally over.”
At this point Grant realizes that Jefferson really did learn a ‘lesson before dying.’ When he says “It is finally over,” he is not only referring to Jefferson’s life, but also that his cowardly nature is “finally over.” He has once and for all taken a stand for what he believes in. This insures that he too, has benefited from this entire experience. Jefferson’s life was sacrificed in order for the white people in the community to gain a better understanding of the valuable nature of the black members of society.
Point of view
The reader is given a unique outlook on the status; partly being that the novel is told from Grant’s point of view. In "A Lesson Before Dying", Grant is the only educated black man in the area and the only member of the black community to ever been free of oppression, because of this he yearns to leave the disparaging situation he is in. Grant feels that he is cornered by a myriad of forces, his aunt’s incessant wants, the children’s need for a teacher, and the community’s need for leadership. Grant cannot bring himself to carry these burdens for multiple reasons: want for his own personal freedom and happiness, lack of hope in the idea of progress, and fear of failing the black community. These feelings have been nurtured by years of white oppression, and blacks who have suffered that oppression only to pass it onto the next generation. As such, Grant has become very pessimistic towards the idea of helping others, yet wants his own needs fulfilled. Grant’s reaction to life’s events is reflective of this point of view and noticeable by the reader. Grant cannot see himself capable of meeting the needs of everyone in his local community. Because of this, Grant becomes cynical of others and cannot find motivation to help Jefferson. Grant’s relationship with Jefferson is the best indicator of his thought process. His observations also reveal Jefferson’s life mirrors his own life and the black community. Jefferson, not yet a man, is waiting on death row to be given the date of his execution. His only contact with the outside world is through a small window high on his cell wall. The only interaction he receives with others is when Grant or Jefferson’s godmother comes to visit him. Grant too feels isolated, and oppressed. Neither Grant’s nor Jefferson’s needs are met yet both characters are asked to sacrifice for the greater community. He knows that the black community does not deserve the poverty they suffer just as he knows that Jefferson is innocent of murder. As the novel progresses, the reader observes Grant’s mindset open as he realizes the entirety of Jefferson’s sacrifice for the entire community, and the ability of one man to make a difference.
