A Lesson Before Dying Essay

“A Lesson Before Dying” is a novel by Ernest J Gaines that took place during the 1940’s with concept, lifestyles, and ideas that have changed since then. Although the 1940’s is 70 years from the time period now some things have changed while some aspects have stayed the same. There are aspects like the role of women in society, school procedures, and segregation that changed while the others compare to now. In the novel by Ernest J. Gaines it is evident that the role of women in society, school procedures, and segregation compare and contrast from the 1940’s till now. The 1940’s women’s role and expectations in society were changing drastically. Previously women had no say and were stereotyped to be a stay at home wife, reproduce, and clean. During the 1940’s most men were at war and most women had to step up to the plate to keep a stable income for the family. In the novel, the author introduces two African-American women who went by the name of Aunt Emma and Tante Lou. Aunt Emma and Tante Lou maintained the house of Henri Pichot the plantation …show more content…
In the novel, Grant Wiggins who is plantation school teacher has become so used to the school procedures that is almost second nature for him. “After listening to one or two of the verses, I tuned out the rest of them. I had heard them all many times. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” “Let not your heart be troubled, believe in God, believe also in me.” “In my Father’s house there are many mansions.” “Jesus wept.” And on and on and on. I had listened to them almost six years…” (Gaines 29). In the 1940’s reciting biblical verses were okay as part of the morning routine as opposed to 2000’s where it became illegal in public schools. But the 1940’s, and present time still recite the pledge of allegiance as a sign of respect for the country in the morning in public and private

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