This is a blog for students in Mr. Agostino's period 3 and 6 English 11 classes to use as a forum for meaningful discussion about Ernest J. Gaines's novel A Lesson Before Dying.
1) Why do you think that Jefferson and Grant have been developing a closer bond? Do you think that this is part of Miss Emma's/Tante Lou's Plan? Back up your answer with references from the story.
2) Explain why you think Jefferson acted the way he did when Grant mentioned Vivian. Could this have been out of jealousy?
1)I think Jefferson and Grant have developed a closer bond because Jefferson realizes Grant is only trying to help him.
2)Jefferson keeps saying that Grant is vexing him. I think Jefferson is just angry about everything that has happened to him, thats why hes acting this way
1)I think Jefferson and Grant have developed a closer bond because Jefferson realizes Grant is only trying to help him.
2)Jefferson keeps saying that Grant is vexing him. I think Jefferson is just angry about everything that has happened to him, thats why hes acting this way
NOTE TO RESPONDERS: IF YOU DO NOT CITE PAGE NUMBERS OR PROVIDE SPECIFIC DETAILS FROM THE READING, YOU ARE NOT DOING YOUR JOB. YOUR GRADE FOR THESE ENTRIES WILL REFLECT YOUR FAILURE TO FOLLOW DIRECTIONS.
I agree with you on both accounts, although i feel that, in addition to Jefferson's realization of Grant's intentions, he is also just accepting Grant as a way of life, similar to the way that he accepted being a "hog", or his death sentence.
In chapter 16, page 128 what is the importance of Jefferson looking out to the sycamore tree, "where several black birds were perched on a limb." What is the importance of black birds in this chapter and what do they symbolize for Jefferson's future?
This passage is important because it emphasizes Jefferson's feeling of entrapment, compared to the bird who are free to do what they wish. Although I cannot find any justifiable symbolism relating to blackbirds in the chapter itself, i feel that the mention of blackbirds throughout the book symbolize hope, for Jefferson's case. "Flocks of blackbirds followed the tractors, searching in the fresh, uncovered earth for insects and worms(pg. 154)." It serves to uplift the mood created by the introduction of Jefferson's execution date, and to remind the reader that even during times when things seem inevitable (snow in winter, in this case), the unexpected can happen. This argument is further augmented by the fact that the bird chosen was a blackbird, known for its threatening behavior, especially during the winter, a trait exhibited by Jefferson during one of his previous encounters with Grant.
I was unable to get on the website earlier, but i’m responding back to Rahul's questions.
1) I agree with Cody that Jefferson and Grant are slowly forming a closer bond. The more Grant comes to visit without aunt Emma or anyone else, the more Grant is talking to Jefferson. Therefor, Jefferson is starting to trust Grant and believe he is only there to help him. However, Grant knew that he was progressing, but had doubts Emma would believe it as he says, “ I couldn’t go there and say that we had a good talk; she probably wouldn’t believe it, not after the way he had acted when we were there together.” (chapter 12, page 86)
2) “He grunted “Just keep on vexting,” he said. “I bet I say something ‘bout that old yellow women you go with.” “You’re speaking of Vivian?” “Just keep on vexting me,” he said.( chapter 17, page 129) I think Jefferson feels he is being vexted, bothered and annoyed by Grant talking about his life. I think Jefferson is comparing himself to Grant, thinking that such a thing as ending up in jail could only happen to him, but never to a teacher. I think Jefferson is jealous of the life Grant gets to live, with freedom of having a person like Vivian there to care for him because he is convinced Emma is not.
i agree with rahul about how jefferson is entrapped and how the birds are free to go and do whatever they want. The blackbirds symbolize a sign of hope for jefferson. I feel the quote, "Flocks of blackbirds followed the tractors, searching in the fresh, uncovered earth for insects and worms" on page 154 represents jefferson getting a fresh start on life.
I agree, Jefferson feels he is entraped, as he is stuck in his jail sell and sentanced to death. I also agree that the birds symbolize and repusent his old life and ways of being free. I also think this makes Jefferson feel as if hes watching his freedom from affar, outside the window and sees how his life is changing before his eyes. However, these blackbirds represent hope, that one day he can be as free as the blackbirds.
1. do u think the radio that grant gives jefferson, means anything or shows any significance? 2. why do u think reverend ambrose thinks it a sinful influence?
1) I do think that the radio Grant gives Jefferson is significant and is a sign of improvement and is sentimental value to Jefferson. It is the first sign of positivity from Jefferson since he has been in his cell. On the top of page 172 "Do you want me to bring you a little radio next time I come" I asked him. He nodded. "Yeah." This shows Jefferson is now expressing himself and opening up to Grant and not replying as he usually does by saying he doesn't care.
2) I think Reverend Ambrose feels the radio is a sinful influence because it is taking away time Jefferson can be spending with God. As he says on page 181 "God," the minister said. "He ain't got but five more Fridays and a half. He needs God in that cell, and not that sin box." I think Reverend Ambrose feels the need to get rid of the radio, and not have it as a distraction to Jefferson. The more the radio is there, the less time Jefferson is spending time thinking and preying to God in his last final weeks. I also think Reverend Ambrose feels that it is his job to bring God to him, not distract him with the radio.
1) The radio serves the role of a connection to the outside world, providing relief from the monotonous days Jefferson has spent in the cell. It is clear that this was Jefferson's intention when he bought it. "I call it company, Reverend Ambrose (pg. 181)."
2) Reverend Ambrose clearly states that he thinks it is a sinful influence, when he calls in a "sin box (pg. 181)", and states that he feels the company which it provides Jefferson with is "sin company (pg. 181)."
1) i agree with rahul that radio is serving as a link to the outside world, and relieves him from the cell
2) i agree with anglena that it could be taking away time jefferson can be spending with god but also could be telling him bad things that he shouldnt listen to
1) Why do you think Grant suddenly responded so strongly to the bricklayers attitude? Do you think, perhaps, that the bricklayer reminded Grant of another character? If so, who?
2) Why do you think that some of the African-Americans in this book seem to be repulsed by their heritage? Is this because of how they actually feel, or is it because of the pressures and prejudices of society?
1)I think Grant reacted like that because he was getting fed up with all the racist remarks the bricklayers were making. "Should have burned him months ago", "That kind of sonofabitch make it hard on everybody, I'd pull the switch myself, they ask me"(pg 198)
2)I believe that african americans are repulsed of their heritage because of the way other races treat them.
For the first question, i actually felt that the bricklayers reminded Grant of Reverend Ambrose, due to their air of superiority, which combined with their actual comments, forced him to start the fight. I agree with your second response.
1) Why do you think Vivian is not eating in chapter 26, does it remind you of any character? 2) Why do you think on page 214, Grant tells the Reverend he doesn't believe in that other world?
1) I think Grant reacted the way he did because he has been stressed out from the Jefferson situation that he could not handle much more. He had a lot going on and in his mind and didn't know which way to turn anymore. I think he felt the need to stop what there saying resulting in the fight. He was obviously fed up and angry when he heard the bricklayers saying "Should have burned him months ago" referring back to Jefferson. I don't believe the bricklayer reminded Grant of any other character specifically though.
2) I think African-Americans are repulsed by their heritage because they are constantly compared to upper class White Americas and looked down upon.
1. i think vivian is not eating because she is disgusted with the violence that went on. "i'm not mad, i'm disgusted." "i had to do it, honey. i had to. i just couldnt take it anymore." "thats how you all get yourselves killed."(pg 206). this reminds me of jefferson refusin to eat miss emmas food.
2.i dont know why grant tells the reverend he doesnt believe in "that other world"
1) She doesn't eat because she feels mad with Grant, and disgusted that he couldn't control himself when dealing with the bricklayers. "Never was mad. Just disgusted (pg. 209)." I agree with Cody, this is very similar to Jefferson's behavior towards his aunts food.
2) I think that he says he doesn't believe in the other world, simply because he doesn't believe in the other world. I cannot find any further significance to his statement.
1) The notebook helps Jefferson change as a person, and lets him express himself and his thoughts. When Grant comes to see him on page 220, Jefferson refers back to the notebook as "It ain't nothing" yes allowing Grant to see his thoughts.
2) I do not think Jefferson's unselfishness will give him what he needs to die with honor. I believe you have to be slightly selfish to honor yourself, and in order to die with honor.
I think that this chapter was a vital turning point for Jefferson, because it is the point at which he begins a transformation in his state of mind. He stops thinking that he is sub-human, and realizes that he is just as normal as Grant or Mr. Pichot, as shown by the quote; "If I ain't nothing but a hog, how come they don't knock me in the head like a hog?" (pg. 220) Thanks to Grant, and the attention, as well as trust he has given to Jefferson, Jefferson feels that he is a real man, and this is one of the main reasons that he was able to die with such dignity.
Jefferson finishes the last step of his transformation in this chapter, he finally becomes a man. He stops being selfish, and decides to be strong for his mother, and wants to die with some dignity.
good by mr wigin tell them im strong tell them im a man good by mr wigin im gon ax paul if he can bring you this sincely jefferson
This illustrates how Jefferson now reflects all of the principle that Grant wanted him to.
1) Why do you think that Jefferson and Grant have been developing a closer bond? Do you think that this is part of Miss Emma's/Tante Lou's Plan? Back up your answer with references from the story.
ReplyDelete2) Explain why you think Jefferson acted the way he did when Grant mentioned Vivian. Could this have been out of jealousy?
1)I think Jefferson and Grant have developed a closer bond because Jefferson realizes Grant is only trying to help him.
ReplyDelete2)Jefferson keeps saying that Grant is vexing him. I think Jefferson is just angry about everything that has happened to him, thats why hes acting this way
1)I think Jefferson and Grant have developed a closer bond because Jefferson realizes Grant is only trying to help him.
ReplyDelete2)Jefferson keeps saying that Grant is vexing him. I think Jefferson is just angry about everything that has happened to him, thats why hes acting this way
NOTE TO RESPONDERS: IF YOU DO NOT CITE PAGE NUMBERS OR PROVIDE SPECIFIC DETAILS FROM THE READING, YOU ARE NOT DOING YOUR JOB. YOUR GRADE FOR THESE ENTRIES WILL REFLECT YOUR FAILURE TO FOLLOW DIRECTIONS.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on both accounts, although i feel that, in addition to Jefferson's realization of Grant's intentions, he is also just accepting Grant as a way of life, similar to the way that he accepted being a "hog", or his death sentence.
ReplyDeleteIn chapter 16, page 128 what is the importance of Jefferson looking out to the sycamore tree, "where several black birds were perched on a limb." What is the importance of black birds in this chapter and what do they symbolize for Jefferson's future?
ReplyDeleteThis passage is important because it emphasizes Jefferson's feeling of entrapment, compared to the bird who are free to do what they wish. Although I cannot find any justifiable symbolism relating to blackbirds in the chapter itself, i feel that the mention of blackbirds throughout the book symbolize hope, for Jefferson's case. "Flocks of blackbirds followed the tractors, searching in the fresh, uncovered earth for insects and worms(pg. 154)." It serves to uplift the mood created by the introduction of Jefferson's execution date, and to remind the reader that even during times when things seem inevitable (snow in winter, in this case), the unexpected can happen. This argument is further augmented by the fact that the bird chosen was a blackbird, known for its threatening behavior, especially during the winter, a trait exhibited by Jefferson during one of his previous encounters with Grant.
ReplyDeleteI was unable to get on the website earlier, but i’m responding back to Rahul's questions.
ReplyDelete1) I agree with Cody that Jefferson and Grant are slowly forming a closer bond. The more Grant comes to visit without aunt Emma or anyone else, the more Grant is talking to Jefferson. Therefor, Jefferson is starting to trust Grant and believe he is only there to help him. However, Grant knew that he was progressing, but had doubts Emma would believe it as he says, “ I couldn’t go there and say that we had a good talk; she probably wouldn’t believe it, not after the way he had acted when we were there together.” (chapter 12, page 86)
2) “He grunted “Just keep on vexting,” he said. “I bet I say something ‘bout that old yellow women you go with.” “You’re speaking of Vivian?” “Just keep on vexting me,” he said.( chapter 17, page 129) I think Jefferson feels he is being vexted, bothered and annoyed by Grant talking about his life. I think Jefferson is comparing himself to Grant, thinking that such a thing as ending up in jail could only happen to him, but never to a teacher. I think Jefferson is jealous of the life Grant gets to live, with freedom of having a person like Vivian there to care for him because he is convinced Emma is not.
i agree with rahul about how jefferson is entrapped and how the birds are free to go and do whatever they want. The blackbirds symbolize a sign of hope for jefferson. I feel the quote, "Flocks of blackbirds followed the tractors, searching in the fresh, uncovered earth for insects and worms" on page 154 represents jefferson getting a fresh start on life.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Jefferson feels he is entraped, as he is stuck in his jail sell and sentanced to death. I also agree that the birds symbolize and repusent his old life and ways of being free. I also think this makes Jefferson feel as if hes watching his freedom from affar, outside the window and sees how his life is changing before his eyes. However, these blackbirds represent hope, that one day he can be as free as the blackbirds.
ReplyDelete1. do u think the radio that grant gives jefferson, means anything or shows any significance?
ReplyDelete2. why do u think reverend ambrose thinks it a sinful influence?
1) I do think that the radio Grant gives Jefferson is significant and is a sign of improvement and is sentimental value to Jefferson. It is the first sign of positivity from Jefferson since he has been in his cell. On the top of page 172 "Do you want me to bring you a little radio next time I come" I asked him. He nodded. "Yeah." This shows Jefferson is now expressing himself and opening up to Grant and not replying as he usually does by saying he doesn't care.
ReplyDelete2) I think Reverend Ambrose feels the radio is a sinful influence because it is taking away time Jefferson can be spending with God. As he says on page 181 "God," the minister said. "He ain't got but five more Fridays and a half. He needs God in that cell, and not that sin box." I think Reverend Ambrose feels the need to get rid of the radio, and not have it as a distraction to Jefferson. The more the radio is there, the less time Jefferson is spending time thinking and preying to God in his last final weeks. I also think Reverend Ambrose feels that it is his job to bring God to him, not distract him with the radio.
1) The radio serves the role of a connection to the outside world, providing relief from the monotonous days Jefferson has spent in the cell. It is clear that this was Jefferson's intention when he bought it. "I call it company, Reverend Ambrose (pg. 181)."
ReplyDelete2) Reverend Ambrose clearly states that he thinks it is a sinful influence, when he calls in a "sin box (pg. 181)", and states that he feels the company which it provides Jefferson with is "sin company (pg. 181)."
1) i agree with rahul that radio is serving as a link to the outside world, and relieves him from the cell
ReplyDelete2) i agree with anglena that it could be taking away time jefferson can be spending with god but also could be telling him bad things that he shouldnt listen to
1) Why do you think Grant suddenly responded so strongly to the bricklayers attitude? Do you think, perhaps, that the bricklayer reminded Grant of another character? If so, who?
ReplyDelete2) Why do you think that some of the African-Americans in this book seem to be repulsed by their heritage? Is this because of how they actually feel, or is it because of the pressures and prejudices of society?
1)I think Grant reacted like that because he was getting fed up with all the racist remarks the bricklayers were making. "Should have burned him months ago", "That kind of sonofabitch make it hard on everybody, I'd pull the switch myself, they ask me"(pg 198)
ReplyDelete2)I believe that african americans are repulsed of their heritage because of the way other races treat them.
For the first question, i actually felt that the bricklayers reminded Grant of Reverend Ambrose, due to their air of superiority, which combined with their actual comments, forced him to start the fight. I agree with your second response.
ReplyDelete1) Why do you think Vivian is not eating in chapter 26, does it remind you of any character?
ReplyDelete2) Why do you think on page 214, Grant tells the Reverend he doesn't believe in that other world?
1) I think Grant reacted the way he did because he has been stressed
ReplyDeleteout from the Jefferson situation that he could not handle much more. He
had a lot going on and in his mind and didn't know which way to turn
anymore. I think he felt the need to stop what there saying resulting
in the fight. He was obviously fed up and angry when he heard the
bricklayers saying "Should have burned him months ago" referring back
to Jefferson. I don't believe the bricklayer reminded Grant of any
other character specifically though.
2) I think African-Americans are repulsed by their heritage because
they are constantly compared to upper class White Americas and looked
down upon.
1. i think vivian is not eating because she is disgusted with the violence that went on. "i'm not mad, i'm disgusted." "i had to do it, honey. i had to. i just couldnt take it anymore." "thats how you all get yourselves killed."(pg 206). this reminds me of jefferson refusin to eat miss emmas food.
ReplyDelete2.i dont know why grant tells the reverend he doesnt believe in "that other world"
1) She doesn't eat because she feels mad with Grant, and disgusted that he couldn't control himself when dealing with the bricklayers. "Never was mad. Just disgusted (pg. 209)." I agree with Cody, this is very similar to Jefferson's behavior towards his aunts food.
ReplyDelete2) I think that he says he doesn't believe in the other world, simply because he doesn't believe in the other world. I cannot find any further significance to his statement.
1. How does the notebook help jefferson change as a person?
ReplyDelete2. do u think jeffersons unselfishness will give him what he needs to die with honor?
1) The notebook helps Jefferson change as a person, and lets him
ReplyDeleteexpress himself and his thoughts. When Grant comes to see him on page
220, Jefferson refers back to the notebook as "It ain't nothing" yes
allowing Grant to see his thoughts.
2) I do not think Jefferson's unselfishness will give him what he needs
to die with honor. I believe you have to be slightly selfish to honor
yourself, and in order to die with honor.
1) We all seam to agree, that Viviana is not eating because she is
ReplyDeletedisgusted with Grands behavior.
2) There is no specific reference that Grant tells the reverend that he
doesn't believe in "that other world".
1) Why do you think that Jefferson's giving the marble to Paul is significant? What does this reinforce about Jefferson's current state of mind?
ReplyDelete2) Do you think that Grant succeeded in his original mission, given by his Aunt? Why??
(Chapter 28 make up)
ReplyDeleteI think that this chapter was a vital turning point for Jefferson, because it is the point at which he begins a transformation in his state of mind. He stops thinking that he is sub-human, and realizes that he is just as normal as Grant or Mr. Pichot, as shown by the quote; "If I ain't nothing but a hog, how come they don't knock me in the head like a hog?" (pg. 220)
Thanks to Grant, and the attention, as well as trust he has given to Jefferson, Jefferson feels that he is a real man, and this is one of the main reasons that he was able to die with such dignity.
(Chapter 29 make
ReplyDeleteJefferson finishes the last step of his transformation in this chapter, he finally becomes a man. He stops being selfish, and decides to be strong for his mother, and wants to die with some dignity.
good by mr wigin tell them im strong tell them im a man good by mr wigin im gon ax paul if he can bring you this
sincely jefferson
This illustrates how Jefferson now reflects all of the principle that Grant wanted him to.