The book is called the Lesson before Dying and is written by Ernest J. Gaines. The book has 256 pages and the name of the publisher is Vintage Books. Alfred A. Knopf originally published a Lesson Before Dying in hardcover in 1993. I decided to read this book because it was recommended to me. The main characters are Grant Wiggins, Jefferson, Sheriff Sam Guidry and Tante Lou. 2. Wiggins is the protagonist of the story, he leaves his hometown to seek knowledge when he returns with a new perspective however when he returns the white people still see him as inferior which outrages him. He does not act on this though, as the rage builds up inside him he removes himself from his loved ones. Throughout the book he is helped by fellow members of the community who help change his perspective. He still feels rage towards certain people but learns to love something other then himself. 3. Jefferson has worked at a plantation most of his life. The novel centers around Jefferson ’s unjust conviction and his friends’ attempts to help him die with human dignity. His lawyer then compares him to a hog and in return Jefferson begins acting like a hog towards his family and friends. He soon changes with the help of Wiggins, he begins to believe in his own worth. Sheriff Sam Guidry is a white man who voices all the racism, ignorance in the south of the 1940s. he belives his has all the power to yeild however once Jefferson and Wiggins begin to change his strong and ignorant exterior becomes softened. He doesn’t change entirely but he at least starts to show respect for others. Tante Lou is a positive force in Wiggins life she is responsible for the changes in his life. The other minor characters are Miss Emma who is jefeerson grandmother and soon becomes obessed to ensure her grandson dies like a man after his lawyer called hima hog. Reverend Ambrose is a fiery righteous leader of the black quarters community. Vivian is Wiggins loving girlfriend who is married and is seeking a divorce, her relationship is hidden from her husband. Matthew Antoine is Wiggins school teacher, he dies before the novel begins but his spirit is felt throughout the novel. Paul is the deputy, who is the only character that sympathizes with the black struggle in the south. Henri Pichot is a stubborn whit man who owns the plantation, he is not bad but refuses to change and enjoys the status quo. Mr. Joseph Morgan is like Pichot but is also a hypocrite because he belives black children deserve education too but belives there place is in the fields, he is the superintendent of the school. The type of book is a novel that takes place in the 1940s in the south. The setting was set in Louisiana Jefferson is convicted to death for being the only survivor at a liquor shootout where three men were killed. The jury belived. The jury believed that he was in on the robbery and is therefore responsible for all deaths. During the trail his lawyer compares him to a hog. This comment made Jefferson godmother very upset. She then sought out the help of Grant. She wanted him to become a man before he died. They both eventually grew close and they helped one another grow. The day of Jefferson execution, he lets Grant and his families know he became a man. My final thoughts on the book a Lesson before Dying are that it’s a great book with a capturing plot. I liked this book because of all the obstacles each character faced they learned how to deal with it and move on with their lives. One of the good points of the book is that it teaches a lesson which is to become a man and to stand up for what you believe. One of the weak points of the book for me is the ignorance of some of the characters like the sheriff and Henri Pichot. What I learned from the book is one of the lesson’s which is you need to stand up for what you believe, because it’s important to have your own voice and stand out as an individual. I think I would recommend the book to others who would appreciate a good piece of literature and a few life lessons along the way.
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