A Lesson Before Dying Film Analysis

Both the novel and the film adaptation of Ernest J. Gaines , A Lesson Before Dying illustrates the theme of coming of age ; however in the novel this theme is better discussed. Through the use of lighting , soundtrack ,and camera angles the director is able to portray the theme of coming of age. While , in the novel Ernest J. Gaines uses dialogue and characterization to express this theme. As some scene’s are better developed than others the watcher and reader are able to receive specific feedback and the portraying of different emotions.

Both in the novel and the movie the impacting scene of Jefferson on all fours and behaving as a hog occurs. However, in the novel this scene is impactful to the character development of Jefferson , “ He knelt down on the floor and put his head inside the bag and started
Paul’s respect for Jefferson signifies he is a man , “ He was , he was. I’m not saying this to make you feel good… He was the strongest man there”. Paul a white deputy considered in society higher than Jefferson ,but on the day of the execution Jefferson was the considered the highest ranking man in the room. Jefferson being the strongest man signifies his lesson of pride. With Paul's statement being excluded from the film the ending leaves the narrative empty. The viewer does not feel, as if Jefferson is equal to his societal members with the closure missing. As Grant and Paul’s dialogue provides key intel due to Grant not attending the execution.
As, both the novel and the film of , A Lesson Before Dying the theme coming of age is portrayed. Though, each narrative portrays the theme of coming of age in its own way. As in the novel character development is used to signify such change. Rather than in the movie where film techniques are used. As scenes are elaborated and cut in the film the coming of age point is portrayed strongly in some scene’s rather than