Throughout history, it has been proven that the environment

around us reflects on what we believe and how we act around others. In the novel A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines this aspect is strongly stressed throughout. Jefferson, the character that Gaines creates for us, is not only stripped of his human dignity but is also confused about the existence of God and heaven. His attorney, Reverend Ambrose, and Grant Wiggins all reflect Jefferson's change in behavior, and how he views his religion.

At Jefferson's trial his attorney tries to win the case by simply relating him to a hog, and a thing that cannot make intelligent decisions. By saying this he hopes to convince the jury that it would not be within justice to put him to death. Mentioning the attorney, Kenny points out, "To execute someone so simple, he concluded, would be like putting a hog in the electric chair" (683). Directed the jury, Jefferson's attorney states, "What you see here is a thing that acts on command... Why, I would just as soon put a hog in the electric chair as this" (Gaines 7-8). At one point in the novel, Jefferson smashes his face into his food and begins eating it as if he were a hog.

152 of Dictionary of Literary Biography, 63 Detroit,

Giles, James R. Ed. "American Novelists Since WWII" in Vol.

Grant Wiggins, a black school teacher was chosen by Mrs. Emma, Jefferson's godmother, to make Jefferson understand that he was a man, not a hog. He took the challenge, not by free will but by his aunt, and by his true love, Vivian, both of which did not give him much of a choice. Once persuaded, Grant is still skeptical about what he can do for Jefferson. At first, his hourly visits to Jefferson have no effect. Giles tells us that, "Grant's problem is that he himself has little desire to be where he is and sees little value in trying to change Jefferson's perspective" (63). At one point, however Jefferson begins talking to Grant. His talking turns into a question that completely catches Grant off guard. Curious and confused, Jefferson asks him, "Does heaven exist?" (Gaines --). With all honesty, Grant tells Jefferson that he believes in God, but he is uncertain if heaven exists or not. Afterwards, Grant tells Jefferson that he can have anything he wants. Jefferson, says he would like a radio. The next day, Grant eagerly buys the radio that Jefferson requested. This radio, was the start of a drastic incr

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Approximate Word count = 836
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)