MODERN NOVEL

 Think back to our lessons on right and wrong.  If we are unable to determine whether universal “laws” exist—or can be established— then how should we punish people who break the laws the rest of us seem to follow?

 On that note, is capital punishment an appropriate way to deal with “gross” offenders?  As always, include a topic and concluding sentence, sound analysis/examples, and a vocabulary word.  Share/discuss  Consider: What if a person is wrongfully convicted of a crime…?

 Born 1933, Pointe Coupee Parish, LA  Graduate of SF State  Also wrote A Gathering of Old Men (84) and The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman (71)  Known for his solid, first-person narrative style  None of his works are strictly autobiographical

However, he was…  Born into a family of sharecroppers  Attended school in the plantation church  Primarily raised by his aunt  (NOTE: all of these are pretty much true of the protagonist as well)

 Story of a young black man convicted of murder (of a white man)  Guilty by association  “Wrong place, wrong time” situation  Sentenced to death  In Louisiana, 1940

 Discrimination  Pre civil-rights South  Death penalty (and treatment of criminals in general)

 Read Ch. 1-3  In the novel’s opening lines Grant says,  “I was not there, yet I was there. No, I did not go to the trial, I did not hear the verdict, because I knew all the time what it would be.”  Consider why Gaines might open the novel in this way.  *What is the “right” thing for Grant to do?*

 “Tante Lou, Miss Emma, Jefferson is dead.” (14)  What does Grant mean by this?  Explain how this is philosophically fair or unfair.

 Analyze the social stratification that is displayed in Chapter 3.  What evidence do we see of injustice?

 “Bayonne’s major industries were a cement plant, a sawmill, and a slaughterhouse…” (25)  What symbolism do you note?

 “I need to go someplace where I can feel like I’m living…” (29)  What might Grant be saying about life and happiness? Evaluate his character.