A Lesson Before Dying
Erika Seda
AP English
2 February 2012
A Lesson Before Dying
4. The novel A Lesson Before Dying is centered on a man who has no faith or real religious belief. His lack of interest in God or church greatly affects his aunt and the Reverend, but as the novel progresses the reader in turn finds that the main character, Grant, does indeed acquire some sense of religion in his own way. As the novel reaches its climax and Grant builds a stronger relationship with Jefferson he allows himself to have a limited religion. Its “limited” in the sense that Jefferson is the one who inspired him to believe in something, but he refuses to believe in the same God that those who convicted Jefferson believe in. The personal growth of not only Jefferson, but also Grant is shown through their change in religious views. They fed off of each other and were able to gain a sense of faith in God. Grant is subjective as to the extent of his belief, but he does end up believing in God and he proves it through having his children pray before Jefferson’s execution. In doing so he relieves himself of some of the guilt he felt for having possibly persuaded Jefferson into not believing in God at all. He realizes that the Reverend is indeed the “brave” one in the sense that regardless of your race, God does not judge base on color but based on character. The Reverend paid no mind to who worshiped God, but instead cared about how he worshiped God and how others should do the same making him the stronger of the two men.
5. Throughout the novel, Gaines juxtaposes the ideas of religion and justice. This paradox is a main theme found in the novel. These two themes together portray the ways in which two characters develop. Although set up as a paradox the two ideas go hand in hand because they build off of one another. Through the Reverend’s character the reader is able to comprehend the intensity behind religious beliefs and how they can come into use. Being that the Reverend was strong in
AP English
2 February 2012
A Lesson Before Dying
4. The novel A Lesson Before Dying is centered on a man who has no faith or real religious belief. His lack of interest in God or church greatly affects his aunt and the Reverend, but as the novel progresses the reader in turn finds that the main character, Grant, does indeed acquire some sense of religion in his own way. As the novel reaches its climax and Grant builds a stronger relationship with Jefferson he allows himself to have a limited religion. Its “limited” in the sense that Jefferson is the one who inspired him to believe in something, but he refuses to believe in the same God that those who convicted Jefferson believe in. The personal growth of not only Jefferson, but also Grant is shown through their change in religious views. They fed off of each other and were able to gain a sense of faith in God. Grant is subjective as to the extent of his belief, but he does end up believing in God and he proves it through having his children pray before Jefferson’s execution. In doing so he relieves himself of some of the guilt he felt for having possibly persuaded Jefferson into not believing in God at all. He realizes that the Reverend is indeed the “brave” one in the sense that regardless of your race, God does not judge base on color but based on character. The Reverend paid no mind to who worshiped God, but instead cared about how he worshiped God and how others should do the same making him the stronger of the two men.
5. Throughout the novel, Gaines juxtaposes the ideas of religion and justice. This paradox is a main theme found in the novel. These two themes together portray the ways in which two characters develop. Although set up as a paradox the two ideas go hand in hand because they build off of one another. Through the Reverend’s character the reader is able to comprehend the intensity behind religious beliefs and how they can come into use. Being that the Reverend was strong in