At first, in Ernest Gaines’ novel, A Lesson Before Dying, the main character, Grant, is cold and compassionless. However, over the course of the book, because of his meeting with Jefferson, Grant evolves into a man of hope and kindness.
When is first introduced into the novel, it’s clear that he’s not like other African Americans during this time period. He is educated and became a school teacher in an effort to change the educational circumstances of local black children. He is naturally hostile because he has to hide his educated demeanor. During this time period, even if an African American is smarter than a white man, he is not allowed to show it. The fact that he knows he may not be able to get through to his students adds to his frustrations. He says on page 23 that he hates teaching. He knows he won’t make the difference he wants to make. Because of this, Grant is initially hostile and hopeless. Obviously, when he is first presented with the opportunity to help Jefferson, he is reluctant.
When they first begin their meeting, both men are quiet. Just like his students, Grant believes he will not be able to make a difference in Jefferson’s life. This is due in part that Jefferson is accepting of his impending execution and believes he deserves what he is getting. In jail he is frequently referred to as a “hog” and is fed from a bag, like an actual hog. At first, not matter what Grant says, Jefferson is not convinced that he can still change his life. The turning point in their relationship is in chapter 26 when Grant buys the radio. When he and Jefferson are conversing about the radio, it’s the first real conversation they’ve had. When Jefferson begins writing in the diary Grant gives him, he begins to realize that he is allowed to have thoughts and feelings and that they’re not insignificant just because he’s a “hog.” When Jefferson becomes more aware the value of his life, he begins to open up to Grant. This finally gives Grant the accomplishments that he has been hoping for. Since he is unable to make a real difference with his students, it was important to him to make a difference with Grant, especially because he was so unenthusiastic at the beginning. It’s important to realize that Grant’s growth is due in large part to Jefferson’s. If Jefferson had not transformed into a more self-accepting and confident, it’s unlikely that Grant would have become more hopeful and compassionate. At the end of the novel when Grant chooses not to go to Jefferson’s execution, it becomes evident that his relationship with Jefferson has developed into a true friendship. Even though he says he won’t cry, he does, which shows that he truly cares about Jefferson. By the end of the novel, it’s clear that the true “lesson before dying” is not about Jefferson, it’s about Grant.
Works Cited
Gaines, Ernest J. A Lesson Before Dying. New York: Vintage Contemporaries. Print
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