Analysis Of George Gaines A Lesson Before Dying

The courthouse scene is the most important scene because it determines the plot for the rest of the novel. At the courthouse, a young African American male named Jefferson is sentenced to death row for crimes he has not committed. Appalled by this, Jefferson’s godmother, Miss Emma forces a school teacher named Grant Wiggins to care for Jefferson. Grant teaches Jefferson the life qualities of becoming a man so that he will not die a “hog”. Gaines uses in-depth characterization, styles, and themes to create his classic work. Gaines uses in-depth characterization to create his classic work. A dynamic character is a person in the story that changes throughout the story. An example of a dynamic character would be Jefferson. In the beginning of the novel Jefferson is described as a simple man no different to other characters, but after the court case he is sentenced to death and becomes depressed. Afterwards, Jefferson begins to show acceptance towards the end and also showed healthier emotions. In addition, Paul Bonim In contrast to dynamic characterization, Gaines also implements static characters in the story. Static characters do not change
For example, Grant shows his friendship for Jefferson by visiting him and caring for him. Grant sacrificed his time to go out of his way and comfort Jefferson in his jail cell. Vivian shows her love with Grant, but theirs is shown physically. Sacrifice is shown by Jefferson when he gave his life to die with his dignity. Prejudice is a major theme throughout the book. Most of the white people in A Lesson before Dying are prejudice to other races. Jefferson’s defendant in court defends his innocence by insulting him by calling him too dumb to commit a crime like this. Sheriff Guidry also exemplifies prejudice with everyone who visits his Jail. Guidry may not even let some visit the jail because of their