July 12, 2011
A Lesson Before Dying defiantly has a fitting title. The lesson Grant learns is something that can apply to anyone, still today. He learned that you have to open yourself to others to really know who you are and how to love. Grant despised white people, because a select few treated him like he was worthless. But he learned, that wasn't a fair representation and made a new friend after he gave them a chance and got to know him. This is what developed to be the theme of the novel.
The book also spoke on how to accept yourself., which is another theme. Grant's journey was long, and through Jefferson he learned he needed to stand up for what he believed in, instead of just listening to the rules. Sometimes you have to look in others to find out who you truly are. This what highlight by the fact the Jefferson is a foil to Grant character. He made characteristic of Grant more pronounced to both himself and the reader, so we learned more about Grant's true personality.
Grant was lost until he began his meetings with Jefferson. He did what he was told and resented everything around him for it. It's my belief that is because he would never do for himself, because he was too scared. He was a smart man, and that is why he knew if he stood up for himself, the white people would eat him alive. The reason behind Jefferson's death, was to show Grant it's possible for him to be who he is, with no regrets, and gain respect from all in the community.
The charters of the book are easy to relate to. Gaines makes us feel emotions for all the characters. Sympathy for Miss Emma. Annoyance at Grant. Pity for Jefferson. A wide variety of emotions toward Aunt Lou. He make the characters hold traits that everyone find relatable, therefore making his novel more personal. He paints a wonderful depiction of the racial issues during that time. Gaines teaches us all a great lesson about how it is never too late to discover ones' self, and to carry yourself with pride for who you are and where you came from.
"A Lesson Before Dying Trailer." Youtube. Web. 12 Jul 2011. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9aFk6-n6X0>.
No comments:
Post a Comment