A Lesson Before Dying By Ernest J. Gaines

About the Author: Gains Born on Louisiana plantation in 1933 during the Great Depression. Raised by his courageous Aunt Jefferson. Many of his stories based on his childhood memories. Worked in fields digging potatoes similar to the school children in his novel.

Connection to History Novel connects directly with the Civil Rights Movement. The series of laws that segregated society in the novel represent real circumstances. (Jim Crow laws).

Setting A Lesson Before Dying takes place in Louisiana during the 1940’s. Segregation remained a big part of the society.

Exposition The novel is set in small Louisiana town during the 1940’s. The main characters include Grant Wiggins and Jefferson. Secondary characters include Aunt Lou, Vivian, and Paul. Jefferson is falsely convicted of murder and sentenced to the death penalty.

Rising Action Jefferson’s godmother asks Grant to help teach Jefferson to be a man before he dies. After much consideration, Grant decides to attempt to help Jefferson. Grant wants to move away with his girlfriend, Vivian. They love each other a lot.

Rising Action Continued Grant visits Jefferson many times in the jail, but doesn’t really get through to him. He does not talk to anyone, or eat the food they bring. Grant gets a radio for Jefferson. Jefferson begins to open up and starts to talk. The date is set for Jefferson's trial (2 weeks after Easter).

Rising Action Continued Grant overhears two men talking badly about Jefferson and gets into a bar fight with them. He fights with Vivian about his actions but they make up. He realizes he wants to stay with Vivian. Jefferson writes in the journal that Grant got him about his questions and feelings. The journal shows that Jefferson accepts what lies ahead.

Climax The climax occurs when Jefferson walks to the electric chair like a man and dies. This is where the story turns because everything starts to change. Also, this is when readers know how the story will end.

Falling Action Everyone mourns the loss of Jefferson. Grant decides to stay with his Aunt and Vivian in Louisiana.

Resolution Paul, the deputy, said “ …but tell them he [Jefferson] was the bravest man in the room today…”[Page 256]. Jefferson died like a man and will be remembered as a respected member of the African American society.

Conclusion In conclusion, “A Lesson Before Dying” was interesting and inspiring. It explained what life was like during segregation and taught us how hard it was for African Americans.