A Lesson Before Dying

Rating:
Summary: A Great Book
Review: A Lesson before Dying, by Ernest J. Gaines is a moving, powerful novel about a black individual put on death row for a crime he did not commit. Overall, I thought the book was very inspiring and well written, but had its drawbacks. The novel is set in the 1940's, where Jefferson and two of his companions, rob a local store. Everybody was killed except Jefferson, the only man who did not fire a single shot. He is subsequently put in jail for no other reason except for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. He is then sentenced to death by the electric chair. His loving aunt, Miss Emma, was humiliated when the juror called Jefferson a hog in public. She hires Grant Wiggins, an educated schoolteacher to help make Jefferson a man, and walk to the chair. Grant and Jefferson work together and following some minor indifferences, Jefferson walked to the chair as a man in the end. The aspect that sets this book apart from others written in a similar manner is that the story did not revolve around Jefferson's trial or his punishment. The author relates the plot in the beginning of the story, which can be a drawback or a bonus, depending on the reader. I liked the way Gaines introduced the entire plot early on, in order to have the reader concentrate on the characters and symbolism immediately rather than later. Also, Gaines brought the characters into the story slowly, unlike most authors. Gaines releases a couple facts about each person when he/she was first introduced. Then, he conveyed more details about them later in the story. In addition to this, Gaines did not reveal any emotional or inner traits about the characters. As an alternative, he let the characters' traits be exposed by their actions. One theme that was predominately heard throughout the novel was "Actions speak louder than words". An example of this was Jefferson's silence as he walked to the chair. While everybody in the room worried about the execution and showed remorse or pity, he did not speak. Paul, the security guard said, "He was the bravest man in the room," and "- I could not bare to look". The book was top notch for the theme of heroism. The story, in my opinion, displayed two heroes, Jefferson and Grant Wiggins. Grant was hero to Jefferson and Jefferson was a hero towards Grant and the society of Bayonne, Louisiana. Grant did what probably no people in that section of town would have done. He talked and gave Jefferson a chance to reform. That touched Jefferson deeply, knowing that some people cared for him. In one of the last journal entries of Jefferson, he emotionally thanked Grant in the little writing that he knew. Jefferson was the main hero in the novel. He set an example for all people to believe in; he showed them to not be afraid. Jefferson at first was afraid to die, but when Grant came to him, and taught him strength, Jefferson conquered his fears. Jefferson portrayed to the town, that although the white government may seem invincible, some things or choices might have a bad effect on them. The reader could see this throughout the book. From when the execution date was set, the officials began to talk less, and not be as harsh as before. The works of Jefferson and Grant touched Ms. Emma, and Grant was so moved by Jefferson that he could not go to the execution. He was crying for Jefferson and himself when Paul told Grant it was done.
The only drawback that I found in the book was it was slow. When one reads the book, a lot of patience is required or they will lose focus. I believe that the story does not have much action or suspense. That is the main focus of most of the stories out in bookstores today, if you are an "action and explosions" individual the book is not for you. On the contrary, what I loved most about the book were the details in the story and the theme of the plot. In other words symbolism was a chief topic in Gaines' novel.
Symbolism is a major part in the understanding of the book. Some of the diminutive details of the story have a lot of importance as the novel progresses. For example, Grant mentions the picture that hangs in the classroom of "The Last Supper"
while in the classroom. This picture compares with Jefferson's last meal before the execution. Another picture in Grant's room portrays Christ knocking on a door; it represents Jefferson knocking on the door of faith and hope. Jefferson cannot be executed on Lent because the town will not allow it. Jefferson is scheduled to die between the hours of noon and three, which was the time of Christ's crucifix. Ernest Gaines writes the novel very realistically. Grant was extremely nervous and angry that he had to go see Jefferson every week. He even said, "What's the use, he will die all the same". He thought the idea of trying to make Jefferson a man was absurd and a waste of time. Gaines portrayed the attitude of Grant well, because a person would not be exactly pleased if he/she had to carry out the act. Vivian was the only person that kept Grant going; if she had not encouraged him so much, I believe he would have quit. I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys powerful novels with a lot of hidden meaning inside the text.

Rating:
Summary: Slow Yet Appealing
Review: Taking place in World War II era Louisiana, A Lesson Before Dying depicts the struggle of a community through the experiences of one man. Grant Wiggins, born and raised on a sugar cane plantation, on which he is now the schoolteacher, is faced with the challenge of shaping a young innocent man named Jefferson, unjustly convicted for murder, into a man before his execution. "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. I'm supposed to make him a man. Who am I? God?" Grant struggles with himself and the others around him in search of his own identity. The faith of the community lies upon Grant as a hero, and forces him to realize his importance to his people. As a result of his revelation Grant comes to understand his role amongst his peers and accepts the challenge presented to him by the matriarchs in the story, Miss Emma, and Grant's Aunt, Tante Lou. A Lesson Before Dying, although slow at times, was rich in character development, and is worthy of much praise due to its wonderful account of the struggle of a people. A classic story of faith, love, struggle, and heroism, A Lesson Before Dying promises to enhance the perspective on which one views life, basically a wonderfully told tragedy.

Rating:
Summary: WOW!
Review: First off i would like to say that I was suprised that a classical book would trigger my individual book taste...but i was truly impressed. I loved this book, and suggest everyone read it. It is a story of a misaccusted young black youth who by being at the wrong place wrong time, must die in jail. Coming from a very respectable family they wish him to be visited by a teacher...in hope that he can die like a man. They give the unwilling teacher the great responsibility of opening a young man's eyes and heart, and teach him that he (a black boy) is much more than what white society may view him as. In the end the boy is able to possess integrity, strength, faith, and pride although fate has short future for him. Defanantly a beautiful and soul-fufilling book.

Rating:
Summary: A Powerful Exploration of Race, Injustice, and Resistence
Review: "I was not there, yet I was there. No, I did not go to the trial; I did not hear the verdict, because I knew all the time, what it would be...
A Lesson before Dying, by Ernest J. Gaines is a moving, powerful novel about a black individual put on death row for a crime he did not commit. In a small Cajun community, in the1940s, a young black man is about to go to the electric chair for murder. The story is set in racist Louisiana and tells of the redemption of a death row prisoner and the teacher sent to help him die with dignity.
Symbolism is a major part in the understanding of the book. The book was top notch for the theme of heroism. One theme that is predominately heard throughout the novel is "actions speak louder than words". As Grant struggles to convey a sense of pride to Jefferson before he must face his death, he learns an important lesson as well: heroism is not always expressed through action--sometimes the simple act of resisting the inevitable is enough.

Rating:
Summary: A Lesson Before Dying: An Inspirational Book
Review: A Lesson Before Dying is one of the best books that I have ever read. This book focuses on the racial differences in the 1940s and how blacks were treated unfairly. Jefferson, a young black man,accused for murder is sentenced to the death chair. Without proper evidence, the all white jury assumes that he killed a white man. However, Jefferson is actually a good boy who was raised by his Aunt Nannan. After realizing that her nephew will die soon, she wants him to die a man and a believer in God. Unfortunately, Jefferson endures name calling and racial abuse, thus he feels that he is only a worthless hog. It will take the help of his former teacher, Grant Wiggins, to make his Aunt's dream come true. The road to making Jefferson a man and a believer is not an easy one. Even Mr. Wiggins must learn a lesson and become a believer. I recommend reading this book because it seems as if the reader " learns a lesson before dying" with Jefferson and Grant. It is also significant because many black men and women in our past died as Jefferson- innocent. However, there was nothing he or she could do but keep the faith: that can never be taken away

Rating:
Summary: A Powerful and Moving Novel
Review: A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines is an excellent story about duty and heroism. It takes place on a small Southern plantation outside of Bayonne, Louisianna in the 1940's. At this time in America when society is still torn by racial segregation, an innocent black man named Jefferson is found guilty of robbery and murder and sentenced to death by electrocution. The majority of white men in town share the sentiment that Jefferson's life has no more worth than that of a hog's. This is where the narrator, Grant Wiggins comes in. Grant, a professor at a very primitive grade school for black children, is the only educated black man on the plantation. He is asked by Jefferson's godmother, Miss Emma, and ordered by his own aunt, Tante Lou, to visit Jefferson in jail and teach him, before he goes to the electric chair, that he is not a hog but a precious human being. Grant is already unhappy and despaired with what he thinks is a futile life, teaching black children who, despite his efforts, will turn out just like Jefferson anyway. All he wants to do is run away with his girlfriend Vivian, but he is tied down by the obligation he has to his fellow black man. Although Grant is reluctant to begin visits with Jefferson, and Jefferson is just as reluctant to receive these visits, the two eventually form a very close bond. This story centers around their relationship and the lesson they teach each other about fulfilling responsibility and dying with dignity.
It is no wonder why this novel is a classic. It is eloquently written, emotionally powerful, easy to follow, and very profound in its subjects and themes. The characters are well-developed and difficult not to empathize with. Grant is an especially dynamic character, but everyone in Gaines' novel contributes to an understanding of the overall plot and its purpose. Vivian, for instance, acts as the voice of reason and the support Grant needs to continue his lessons with Jefferson. Henri Pichot and Sheriff Guidry represent the fear and ignorance that keep racial segregation so prevalent in American society. A Lesson Before Dying is deep on many levels, and there is no one that I would not recommend it to.

Rating:
Summary: A man handling a difficult task.
Review: This book really hit me hard. I grew up in the deep South in the 1960's and witnessed some of the segregation and attitudes that fill this story. But to see only that in this book would be a mistake. There are multiple themes here. Gaines explores the idea that we must sometimes move out of the familiar if we are going to change. The line 'if you stay, you'll become the n***** they believe you to be' is very powerful and applies to all us all at times. As we strive to improve ourselves, to be more than we are, there are forces that strive equally hard to keep us in 'our place'. Often these forces are not as obvious as the bigoty portreyed in this book, but they are as real.
There is also a thread of hope sewn into this story. Hope of change, growth and improvement. We see it in Jefferson, in the deputy and finally in Grant himself as he learns an important lesson.

This book is not FUN to read, but everyone should read it.

Rating:
Summary: Fantastic!
Review: This book was just fantastic! The writing style and themes are as brilliant as McCrae's "Bark of the Dogwood" or "Cry, The Beloved Country." This was one of the most moving, intense, and touching books I've come across in a while. Heart-warming without being sappy, and literary without being boring, you simply cannot go wrong with this one.

Rating:
Summary: This book sucked.
Review: Ugh. I had to read this bok for school and it sucks. Preformatted, horrible, and boring. Dave is so wrong with his review. The only lesson that I learned is that the book sucks.

Rating:
Summary: a great lesson on life
Review: The Book a Lesson before Dying was a great book. After you get past the beginning, which is a little sluggish the novel beguines to get interesting. To me the book was somewhat confusing, but I got the hang of it. The book teaches a great deal about how racism and discrimination worked back then. During the end of the novel when Grant gave Jefferson the journal to write his thoughts in was the most compelling part of the book, in a sense that after all this time you finally find out what's in his head and how he feels. This book teaches everyone a great lesson on life and how it really works.