A Lesson Before Dying
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary defines name-calling as the use of offensive names especially to win an argument or to induce rejection or condemnation (as of a person or project) without objective consideration of the facts. In the novel A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines, Jefferson is called a hog because of racial ignorance. The description of name-calling fits perfectly with the story line. Jefferson's defense attorney calls him a hog to win the argument/court case. His attorney wants to "induce rejection" and condemn him in hopes that the jury will believe that Jefferson is not worth the effort of execution. His attorney refers to him as "a boy", "a fool", "a cornered animal", and " a hog". Jefferson accepts and believes this degrading image of himself. What is so significant about the word hog and why did it affect the entire community. Ernest Gaines tried to capture a realistic portrait of life for blacks in Louisiana during the 1940's.Unfortunately at this time blacks were still looked down upon. They were believed to be dirty and no better than animals. Gaines takes the reader through the journey of a man's quest to help another man to become a man. When the term hog is used it humiliates not only Jeffe
The turning point for Jefferson is when his date of execution is brought down. In the face of death he embraces life, and discovers his self-worth. The lesson is as much the teacher's as it is the student's, "I felt like someone who had just found religion." (p186) There is a twofold progress being traced from lack of knowledge to enlightenment; from pessimism to faith. "My faith is in you, Jefferson."(p 249) says his teacher, Grant, who shares in Jefferson's achievement of manhood. Jefferson understands exactly why he must die like a man. He knows that through this simple act of self-respect, he will defy the society that wrongfully accused and convicted him, not just of murder, but of being black-skinned. He knows that by refusing to bow-down in his final moments, he will lift his entire race from the ground. For these reasons, he walks to his execution proudly. Only one man, Jefferson nevertheless dies with the strength and the fury of an army. His dying like a man may have brought the whites to the realization that the blacks were just as human as they were. There was a new acceptance between the two ethnic groups. This was clearly stated when Paul stuck out his hand to Grant and asked to be his friend (255). I have to wonder if Paul would have been so open and friendly had the whole transformation never taken place. I interpreted Grant's tears at the end as a sign of peace. They not only were tears of sorrow but I think he realized that there truly was a new understanding in the Quarter Tante Lou is the one person that held t
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1047
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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