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Essay on Research paper for the Novel a Lesson before Dying by Ernest J.Gaines
Published by Knopf in 1993, A Lesson before Dying is set in Louisiana. Considered a success by readers and critics alike, the appeal for most readers is derived from the intense emotions the story evokes. The author, Ernest Gaines, wants the reader to feel compassion for the young black man, Jefferson, whom jurors convict for a murder he did not commit. Nor can readers ignore the personal struggles of Grant Wiggins as he teaches Jefferson to be a man.
Chapter 6, set in Henri Pichot’s mansion, illustrates the uncivilized behavior of the white men toward Grant. Like Farrell Jarreau, Grant is forced to obtain his information “through an innate sense of things around him.” Marked by a thin veneer of civility, the men do their best to humiliate Grant and “keep him in his place.” Seeing him in this situation, as he struggles not to appear “too smart,” we begin to understand his frustrations with his students and his cynical view of life.
The men obviously take pleasure in having Grant under their control. Hoping that he will give up and go home, they force him to wait two and a half hours. When they finally meet with him, they have already made their decision. To amuse his friends, Sheriff Guidry tries to trick Grant into taking sides in an alleged disagreement between him and his wife. Like Inez, Grant is rendered invisible. As he leaves Pichot’s mansion, Grant realizes that helping Jefferson regain his manhood may mean compromising his own dignity.
On Thursday, Dr. Joseph Morgan, a white man who is the school superintendent, makes his annual visit to Grant’s school. In addition to drilling the students, he inspects their teeth, as if they were horses (or slaves). When Grant tries to tell Dr. Morgan that he needs books and supplies, Dr. Morgan ignores his request, focusing instead on the need for student hygiene........
