The Influence In Ernest J. Gaines A Lesson Before Dying

Words: 872
Pages: 4
Open Document
Labels are nothing more than mere words. Ernest J. Gaines is the author of the well-respected and award winning novel, A Lesson Before Dying. Gaines was born in 1933 on a Louisiana plantation where he resided until the age of fifteen. A majority of the setting in Gaines novels are set from this plantation. Gaines biggest influence overall as a person was because of his Aunt and all she did for them. Gaines’ Aunt had overcome more problems than any character he has ever fathomed (Allen 4). Gaines’ Aunt influenced him not only as a man, but also a writer. Gaines’ Aunt spent every day of her life crippled, as far as most could remember, and never let that stop her from completing daily tasks and living her life. In the novel A Lesson Before Dying …show more content…
This bond leads to the realization that these names are only words and not worth what they are led to think. In Jefferson’s diary he admits that Grant is the only person he has truly ever liked or cared about. This bond aids in the realization for Jefferson that he is a man and not a hog. Grant began to befriend Jefferson rather than reluctantly teaching him. At the start of their meetings Grant goes to see Jefferson because he is forced to, while towards the end these arrangements occur since both men desire that they do. Grant would have remained passive about conversations involving Jefferson towards the start of their meetings, while near the end Grant stands up for Jefferson such as the fight that broke out at the bar. With the label of Professor, Grant is expected to teach. However, instead of Grant being the one to teach Jefferson, he also learned from Jefferson.

Grant Wiggins and Jefferson, who create a special bond, show how the labels designated for people mean nothing. This connection offers a lesson to those willing to listen. Words can affect almost anyone who is willing to listen to them. Sometimes in order to surpass these labels another individual is needed to support them through the process. The words used to describe another individual mean nothing in
Show More

Related Documents: The Influence In Ernest J. Gaines A Lesson Before Dying

Racism In A Lesson Before Dying

The novel, one of Gaines greatest works is set in the late 1940’s. A peaceful time period in American history which had a volatile air glooming around it due to doubts over whether such a lavish standard of living, achieved during war times and a booming economy, could be…

Words 2107 - Pages 9

A Lesson Before Dying Major Works Data Sheet Essay

English 1 Honors Block: 1AB Date: 4/27/13 Title: A Lesson Before Dying Author: Ernest J. Gaines Genre: Historical Fiction Title Associations or Predictions: Given the title, A Lesson Before Dying, we can infer and predict that a character in the book will die. Also, we can predict that before they die, they will learn something, probably a valuable lesson Biographical Information about the author: Ernest J. Gaines was born in Oscar, Louisiana in 1933. He was born and raised on…

Words 4242 - Pages 17

A Lesson Before Dying Literary Analysis

giving to and living with all the rest." ~ Jacques Yves Cousteau. This quote captures the complex natures of human relationships which is reflected in the novel, A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines. The main character, Grant, is put up to the difficult challenge of teaching a 22-year-old named Jefferson how to be a man before his imminent death sentence. Grant has a very pessimistic outlook and feels his teaching will be pointless, and the women in the novel have a great impact Grant’s attitude…

Words 1351 - Pages 6

Geron Essay

| d. | Nonempirical ideas | Name avoidance is practiced among Answer | a. | All of these groups | | b. | Aborigines | | c. | Penan Geng | | d. | Hawaiians | It is important to develop cultural sensitivity in regards to death and dying Answer | a. | All of these | | b. | Understand that culture is not simply defines by ethnicity | | c. | Understand identity | | d. | So as to maintain ethnocentrism | The Dance of Death expresses the idea that Answer | a. | death…

Words 7080 - Pages 29