Symbolism In Ernest J. Gaines's A Lesson Before Dying

The document holds historical value as a result of its context. Within the fourth paragraph he states, “it is proper you should understand what I deem the essential principles of our government, and consequently those which ought to shape its administration…stating the general principle” and follows with a list of all of his political beliefs. This is historically valuable because it presents the political opinions of Jefferson through his own words. Also, the document serves the purpose of addressing the people. This is valuable because it shows that Jefferson had to appeal to the people of the nation while giving this speech. So, it can be assumed that he kept this in mind while preparing the

Grant also wants to bring Jefferson a notebook so that he can write down what he thinks, and Jefferson agrees to do so. In the next visit, Grant goes with Miss Emma, Tante Lou, and Reverend Ambrose. Jefferson refuses to eat, so Grant asks Jefferson to walk with him. As they walk, Grant tells Jefferson that a hero does something for other people. Grant says that he is not a hero, and white people they know are not better than Jefferson. The white people believe that Jefferson has no dignity and love for his people, but Jefferson can prove them wrong.

The repetition of the word “sir” at the beginning of each paragraph in his letter also holds a great weight on Benjamin Banneker’s decision to address Jefferson with his plea. It shows ethos, that he understands his position in comparison to Jefferson and is spoken out of respect. His risky gesture was carefully thought out, shown in the syntax of his sentences, long and carefully attacking the points he means to address. His well-formed sentences disprove the ideas that African Americans are all illiterate and incapable. Throughout the letter strong words such as fortitude, providential, and abhorrence justify that the letter is worth Jefferson’s time, not disdain. Continuously repeating “sir and his suggestions that his own achievements as a freedmen were a contradiction of Jefferson’s belief that blacks lacked intellectual ability and proof of what they could achieve when they were not tied down by slavery. Just like the writing of Fredrick Douglas, his

In the novel, A lesson before dying, by Ernest J. Gaines, Grant Wiggins is a person who can at times be ill to all people around him. Grant Wiggins, a teacher at the school, in the end of the book shows that he has changed over the course of the book. At the beginning, he thought that it was pointless to go visit jefferson to try to make him a “man”. He said “Now his godmother wants me to visit him and make him know-- prove to these white men--that he’s not a hog, that he’s a man”(Gaines 44). This is showing that not only does Grant not want to go to the Jail and talk to jefferson but he also doesn't want to go to deal with the sheriff either. And this was just the beginning of it. Near the end you can see his diversity changing when he finally

Through the divide spreading in the nation, with a fair number of citizens showing extreme support of limited federal power and a strong state government, Jefferson fought for his partisan, Anti-Federalist views backed by those that voted for his inauguration. Given that his name was known around the globe for influential political dealings, a simple letter sent overseas to his young country could guide the nation’s lawmakers and statesman as to how they should proceed with a problem, even though he might be thousands of miles away from his home office. Example here. One case of such influence was the affiliation he shamelessly formed with James Madison in order to create the first of two separate parties, the Democratic Republicans as aforementioned.

     In terms of the presentation of information, Ellis pieced together the life and work of Jefferson according to eras, or phases in the life of Thomas J. Starting with Philadelphia 1775-1776, Jefferson’s story begins as the prominent, educated young man entering a world of radical politicians and commoners striving for their independence. This chapter describes how Jefferson established himself as an excellent literary figure in the developing American insurrection by publishing a pamphlet entitled, “A summary view of the rights of British America.” This document, though never officially accepted as a plan of action was “simple and emphatic, with a dramatic flair that that previewed certain passages in the Declaration of Independence (e.g., “Single acts of tyranny may be ascribed to the accidental opinion of the day; but a series of oppressions, begun at a distinguished period, and pursued unalterably thro’ every change of ministers, too plainly prove a deliberate, systematical plan of reducing us to slavery”). [Pg. 34] As the text

This quote shows Grant’s determination to buy a brand new radio for Jefferson. Grant remembers when he and Jefferson would spend hours listening to music, and the love Jefferson had for it. This persistence and determination to buy the perfect radio shows that Grant cares for Jefferson and shows their friendship continuing to develop. Furthermore, Jefferson expresses his feelings and thoughts in a notebook that Grant gave to him. His thoughts are both good and bad, and it 's a way that Jefferson can explain his feelings. “im sory i cry mr wigin im sory i cry when you say you aint comin back tomoro im strong an reven ambros gon be yer wit me an mr harry comin to an reson i cry cause you been so good to me and make me think im somebody” (232). This quote shows how thankful Jefferson is that Grant came to his cell almost every day and treated him with respect and dignity. Jefferson learns to be braver by expressing himself in his journal and through his conversations with Grant. Through Grant’s persistence and

Grant is constantly having an eternal battle within himself on whether or not he is willing to take action against the white despotism. When Jefferson 's case is first brought up to Grant by Miss Emma and his aunt, he responds by saying, “Yes, I’m the teacher...And I teach what the white folks around here tell me to teach—reading, writing, and ’rithmetic. They never told me how to keep a black boy out of a liquor store" (Gaines ch 2). His whole education has revolved around the white system and what they want him to know and do. He feels that because he has been taught by the white-American

The fact that Grant considers himself to be better than all of the black residents of Bayonne is one of the many things that holds Grant back from being an effective coach to assist Jefferson in his quest to become a man. Another contributing factor to his ineffective teaching is his lack of self confidence. If Jefferson does not see a worthy example of how to be a man, then he will never effectively become one himself. After a few visits to see Jefferson in his cell, persevering through his own belief that he is not making a difference, being told that he was wasting his time, he realized that he was doing much more than performing a favor for Miss Emma and Tante Lou. He realized that he wasn’t only trying to turn Jefferson into a man. This was Miss Emma and Tante Lou’s way of teaching himself a lesson on how to live his life and who he really is. “I need you,” I told him. “I need you much more than you could ever need me” (Gaines, 193). This quote represents the

He then shows respect for the Declaration of Independence and includes flattering adjectives. The statement “this true and valuable doctrine, which is worthy to be recorded and remembered in all succeeding ages” helps further show that he is not writing with the purpose of insulting Jefferson (Banneker lines 19-21). He ends the paragraph with a supporting quote from the very document. He makes use logos and ethos by doing so since he reminds Jefferson he is an educated man that lacks ignorance and uses his own words to further engage

When Grant goes to the Rainbow Club for money to buy a radio for Jefferson, he portrays a rush of excitement and anticipation of his breakthrough in his relationship with Jefferson while exposing his desire to help Jefferson in the “now”, in contrast to Reverend’s “after life” argument, because to the Reverend, the radio is an embodiment of sin. Nevertheless, to Jefferson the radio is his sure contact with the world outside his cell, and to Grant the radio is a turning point in their lives symbolizing Grant’s own hope for Jefferson as a man. Furthermore, after the radio, Grant gives Jefferson a notebook, symbolizing the growth of their relationship, as well as, a connection of counseling and communication. During the walk with Jefferson, who was tied down with chains in the dayroom with Ms Emma, the Reverend, and Aunt Lou, Grant’s touching speech reflected upon Jefferson’s life, his life, and the history of the oppressed African Americans, which, profoundly, imposes a juxtaposition to Grant’s prior efforts and Jefferson’s early behavior in conjunction with characteristics of heroism in Grant and in Jefferson as he

Becoming a highly analyzed novel, many critics speak about their feelings. Carl Senna, one a literary critic, discusses the reasons for lack of communication in A Lesson before Dying. A large part of their communication problem comes directly from their class differences. Although Grant is not considered rich, he is well educated and lives rather comfortably, whereas Jefferson is nearly illiterate and has been a struggling farmhand most of his life. This gap that separates them makes it very difficult for them to speak. Neither one of them is at fault for this, but it frustrates Jefferson to the point where he often wants to leave the jail cell and not return. Also Grant speaks with Jefferson "reluctantly, prompted by his aunt, a moralizing scold and a nag"(Senna 5). Another good point Senna makes is that because of the time period, blacks were struggling to become equals and were more engrossed with their own wants and needs than worrying about Jefferson. Yes, they all realized that he is innocent but they are not at a time where they can fight for the innocence of this young boy. Therefore Grant "becomes their instrument in trying to save him[Jefferson] from disgrace"(Senna 5). Jefferson was not seen as much to these

In addition,Grants attitude begins to change after a few visit at the the cell with jefferson. Jefferson opened up to Grant about how he never had owned a radio or ate a bowl of ice cream in his life. Grant stated “I saw a slight smile come to his face, and it was not a bitter smile. Not bitter at all”. This action was a turning point for Grant. Jefferson’s thoughts revived Grants emotions and helped him see the actual person he was. Grant learned how to become educated and think like a man, rather than being negative all the time. He figured out that he wasn’t just accomplishing a good for Jefferson, but teaching his students that as an African American, you shouldn’t allow the white take control nor advantage of you.

Through teaching Jefferson, Grant realizes that he had falsely attributed self-worth to things such as education and that there was much more to a human than his original understanding and he recognizes this when he says “My eyes were closed before this moment, Jefferson. My eyes have been closed all my life.” (Gaines, 2002, p. 225”). Indeed it was Jefferson that taught him that redemption belongs to everyone and that his duty to his community is worth much more than he initially ascribed to it. It is clear that Grant learnt from Jefferson as much as Jefferson learnt from Grant.

In the end, (Dec.) served its purpose, and showed the colonies were ready to fight the despotism of Great Britain, and upon succeeding, could adequately govern themselves. The success of (Dec.) is surprising due to the fact it is simply words; however they are very well thought out. The reason (Dec.) is able to succeed, is due to three major uses of persuasive technique found throughout Jefferson’s document; Jefferson’s ability to account for an acrimonious audience; Jefferson’s ability to consider the historical president; and