Analysis of A Lesson Before Dying Essay -- Ernest J. Gaines

Grant Wiggins is the narrator of the novel. He was born in the plantation just outside of Bayonne, Louisiana. He lived there until he went away to college, and when he went back home, he was detached from the people in the town because of his education and different religious beliefs. He is easily angered and often very selfish. This is seen in the way that he acts towards Vivian. He consistently does not give her the attention or respect that she deserves. He refers to her children as simply, â€Å"the babies,† and only cares about the names of his and Vivian’s future children. Grant goes from shallow and selfish at the beginning of the story, to caring and loving at the end. Jefferson is an honest, young black man with below-average intelligence. After being called a hog by his lawyer, he loses all self-respect, and feels as if he is really no better than a hog. He becomes sullen and angry after being sentenced to death. The visits that Grant pays Jefferson eventually revive him out of his emotional slumber, and he begins to see himself as a human being again. Ultimately, he serves as Grants teacher, as he shows him how to be loyal and how to love. Tante Lou is Grant’s extremely religious and aunt. She is very persistent, and does not stop begging Henri Pichot until he agrees to talk to the sheriff about her and Grant visiting Jefferson. Tante Lou’s faith allows her to believe that Jefferson will die as a man. Without this faith, Grant, at first, does not believe in Jefferson. Despite her social status because of her skin, she and Miss Emma dress with dignity, and demand respect from all who will give it to them. Minor Characters Miss Emma is Jefferson’s godmother. She loves her godson Jefferson, and shows this through all of... ...ed by Grant on his drive to Bayonne. â€Å"I want you to show them the difference between what they think you are and what you can be.† This is a quote from Grant to Jefferson. Grant tries to instill on Jefferson the significance of his death. He wanted Jefferson to be an example of the strength of black people as a whole. â€Å"To show too much intelligence would have been an insult to them. To show a lack of intelligence would have been a greater insult to me.† This is a quotation of Grant’s thoughts. He was talking to the sheriff, and did not know how to act. He is more educated than the sheriff, but since he is black, he cannot show it. â€Å"Manners if for the living.† This quote is from Jefferson to Grant. Jefferson said this to Grant after insulting Vivian. It shows his lack of love for life. At this point of the story, he was sad and lonely and did not want to live.