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. I think that Tante Lou wants only the best for Grant because she views him as a son. She feels that vivian being of a differnt race will leave Grant and hurt him because of the pressures of segregation despite how much she may care for him. This is displayed in Chapter 15. She may be onto something because the reason Vivians firt marrage failed was because of her husbands color.
2. I feel that even though grant showed a lack of responsibility and self respect towards the beginning of the book, I believe that he will slowly gain these qualities wich will allow him to forge a better relationship with Vivan. Although there relationship will be a rocky road, partly due to the fact that they lack some things in common this is apparent in chapter 15, it will endure throughout the story.
NOTE TO RESPONDERS: IF YOU DO NOT CITE PAGE NUMBERS OR PROVIDE SPECIFIC DETAILS FROM THE READING, YOU ARE NOT DOING YOUR JOB.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.
1) I feel that Tante Lou has a suspicious manner about vivian because of the fact that her and grant are not the same race, segreigation and race is a large part of this chaper and novel as a whole. Tante lou cares about Grant, that being the reason she is suspicious (Page 123) of chapter 16 talks about how Grant is running away from his problems, although Tante Lou cares she thinks she knows whats best for him
2) In my opintion (This sounds like an opintion based question) i think that they will in the end split up. My reasoning for this is because of the fact that they are different races. In the setting of the book this difference seems to e greatly frowned upon. Another reason would be that they are both really different from eachother and Grant hows shown inmaturity although he is getting better. It is a toss up of a situation but i personally think they will split up because of the time frame of the book.
Becuse back then in the south that is all that some people lived for. They all thought that the oly life that truely mattered and the only one that you should look up to is God. I also think since Grant is an athiest, the religous veiws from other people are more presented sinced the concept of God annoys the biased narrorator Grant. I also think that he views God as a way to keep the black people ignorant. He thinks that since he is educated about the scientific theories of the world instead of the biblical ones that he knows better. The concept of religion is brought up so many times because it is a way for grant to show the reader that the people of his town are kept ignorant and are more intellectualy challenged. It is another way to point out his superiority complex.
I think that it will take a little hard work for both parties (Grant and Jefferson) to build up Jefferson's self esteem. Right now it does not look like he will get his self respect anytime soon. Both of them are very stubborn. Jefferson keeps repeating "corn for a hog." and Grant is unsure that he can do anything about Jefferson's feelings. Grant is bitter about Jefferson because he thinks that Jefferson is trying to blame him for why he is there in the first place. I think that if they both reside their differences they can achieve thier objective.
1) Personally i believe that when the aurthor brings up many relgious references about Grant and Jefferson it's because back in those times there was a strong belief in religion, especially in southern area's to this day. Grant dosen't have a religion and hates religion, which could be another reason why it is always brought up. To show the annoyance of religion to Grant and to show how he feels about religon.
2)In my opintion what it will take to make Jefferson view himself as a human and not a hog is Jefferson needs to have some self respect, that respect was taken from him or never there at all. Jefferson just needs to try and get his priorites straight and build his self e steem and confidence.
Summary of answers. 1. Back in the south religion was a very big aspect of people’s lives; religion was often all they knew. The author also plays with religious connections so much because Grant does not believe in god. 2. It will take a lot to built up Jefferson’s self of steam. It won’t come easy and will take a wile. In order to achieve a better personal view he must first built up some self respect.
1. Jefferson is beginning to feel that not everyone is against him. In fact some people are on his side and want to help him. Grant for example is putting in effort to prove to Jefferson that he is worth something. He displays this by bringing him the radio and vanilla ice cream as well as the nuts. Due to this Jefferson feels Grants sincerity and is willing to open up to him.
I think that he has changed his attitude because he is subsiding from his shock that he is going to die soon. He is starting to figure out that Grant is only trying to help him not to hurt him. He is probably starting to figure out that he can open up a little to grant because grant is a least making an effort.
1) Do you think that the reverand is really oping for Grant to fail?
2)Do you think that Grant's slef doubt is the real reason why he didn't move away? He hinted that how could he teach Jefferson to be a man if he doesn't know how to be one himself.
1) In my opintion i do infact think that the reverend is opting for Grant to fail at helping Jefferson. I feel this way because he always contradicts what Grant dose to help Jefferson, instead of helping him suceed in doing whats right and teaching Jefferson to be a better person. He trys to do the exact opposite.
2) Grant's self doubting isn't the reason he didn't move away, i feel that he realized that he could help Jefferson so he stayed. Infact i feel that he dosen't know how to be a man himself. He is trying to teach Jefferson to be a better person and do things for him that will make him feel more important. For example he wanted to give him the icecream so that he would have something to look foward to, or that he would have something of his own for one. I think that although Grant dosen't know how to be a man he will teach Jefferson what he needs to know to become a better person.
I'm Extremely confused about post's. We can clear up what we are missing in class tomarrow and fix it for partial credit. I don't think we are missing much.
Jefferson begins to show more emotions because Grant is doing the same. The belief in God was what he was brought up on and Jefferson challenges his beliefs in his mind. It scares him to think that there might not be a god. He is afraid to just become nothing after he dies. Grant, who doesn’t believe in God does the same thing and breaks down showing Grant that he isn’t the only one out thee with those types of fears.
1) I think that jefferson has become more emotional because him and Grant have developed an emotional attachment in a way. Or a emotional bond, there is alot of talk about god and witch makes jefferson uneasy.
2) I think Viviana's eating habits have changed because of grant and jefferson's emotional bond.
1) The notebook is very significant because it is a way for Jefferson to express his feelings. He is usually very terrified about expressing his emotions and he also goes into depth about how he doesn't know how to love someone. No one has ever told him that he is appreciated so he feels insignificant.
He writes about how he is supposed to stay strong and not kill himself. He is supposed to go to the electric chair and take it like a man. He knows that he is afraid but he also knows that it is better to die as a man then to die as a coward
1) I do think that jefferson went to the chair as a man because he showed so much growth as a person. For being so down on himself and against himself in a way he showed that he would over come it.
2) I don't think grant would leave the state now if he had the chance. I think this because he has affected many lives and he always wants to remember jefferson. Jefferson changed him, they changed eachother.
Why do you think that Tante Lou had a suspicious manner about Vivian?
ReplyDeleteDo you think that Vivan and Grant will one day in the book split?
ReplyDelete1. I think that Tante Lou wants only the best for Grant because she views him as a son. She feels that vivian being of a differnt race will leave Grant and hurt him because of the pressures of segregation despite how much she may care for him. This is displayed in Chapter 15. She may be onto something because the reason Vivians firt marrage failed was because of her husbands color.
ReplyDelete2. I feel that even though grant showed a lack of responsibility and self respect towards the beginning of the book, I believe that he will slowly gain these qualities wich will allow him to forge a better relationship with Vivan. Although there relationship will be a rocky road, partly due to the fact that they lack some things in common this is apparent in chapter 15, it will endure throughout the story.
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.
ReplyDelete1) I feel that Tante Lou has a suspicious manner about vivian because of the fact that her and grant are not the same race, segreigation and race is a large part of this chaper and novel as a whole. Tante lou cares about Grant, that being the reason she is suspicious (Page 123) of chapter 16 talks about how Grant is running away from his problems, although Tante Lou cares she thinks she knows whats best for him
ReplyDelete2) In my opintion (This sounds like an opintion based question) i think that they will in the end split up. My reasoning for this is because of the fact that they are different races. In the setting of the book this difference seems to e greatly frowned upon. Another reason would be that they are both really different from eachother and Grant hows shown inmaturity although he is getting better. It is a toss up of a situation but i personally think they will split up because of the time frame of the book.
-American Hero ;)
1. Why do you think the author brings up so many religious references when talking about Grant and Jefferson?
ReplyDelete2. What do you think it will take for Jefferson to view himself as a human being instead of a hog?
Becuse back then in the south that is all that some people lived for. They all thought that the oly life that truely mattered and the only one that you should look up to is God. I also think since Grant is an athiest, the religous veiws from other people are more presented sinced the concept of God annoys the biased narrorator Grant. I also think that he views God as a way to keep the black people ignorant. He thinks that since he is educated about the scientific theories of the world instead of the biblical ones that he knows better. The concept of religion is brought up so many times because it is a way for grant to show the reader that the people of his town are kept ignorant and are more intellectualy challenged. It is another way to point out his superiority complex.
ReplyDeleteI think that it will take a little hard work for both parties (Grant and Jefferson) to build up Jefferson's self esteem. Right now it does not look like he will get his self respect anytime soon. Both of them are very stubborn. Jefferson keeps repeating "corn for a hog." and Grant is unsure that he can do anything about Jefferson's feelings. Grant is bitter about Jefferson because he thinks that Jefferson is trying to blame him for why he is there in the first place. I think that if they both reside their differences they can achieve thier objective.
ReplyDelete1) Personally i believe that when the aurthor brings up many relgious references about Grant and Jefferson it's because back in those times there was a strong belief in religion, especially in southern area's to this day. Grant dosen't have a religion and hates religion, which could be another reason why it is always brought up. To show the annoyance of religion to Grant and to show how he feels about religon.
ReplyDelete2)In my opintion what it will take to make Jefferson view himself as a human and not a hog is Jefferson needs to have some self respect, that respect was taken from him or never there at all. Jefferson just needs to try and get his priorites straight and build his self e steem and confidence.
-AmericanHero ;)
Summary of answers.
ReplyDelete1. Back in the south religion was a very big aspect of people’s lives; religion was often all they knew. The author also plays with religious connections so much because Grant does not believe in god.
2. It will take a lot to built up Jefferson’s self of steam. It won’t come easy and will take a wile. In order to achieve a better personal view he must first built up some self respect.
1) Why do you think Jefferson has changed his additude?
ReplyDelete2) What is Vivian so worried about?
-AmericanHero;)
1. Jefferson is beginning to feel that not everyone is against him. In fact some people are on his side and want to help him. Grant for example is putting in effort to prove to Jefferson that he is worth something. He displays this by bringing him the radio and vanilla ice cream as well as the nuts. Due to this Jefferson feels Grants sincerity and is willing to open up to him.
ReplyDeleteI think that he has changed his attitude because he is subsiding from his shock that he is going to die soon. He is starting to figure out that Grant is only trying to help him not to hurt him. He is probably starting to figure out that he can open up a little to grant because grant is a least making an effort.
ReplyDeleteSummary Of Posts:
ReplyDeleteMarina: Jefferson's starting to feel more accepted. Grant is showing respect for Jefferson and Jefferson as a result will open up.
Victoria: Sudden realization of death makes Jefferson realize what his lifes worth. Grant is trying to help him and he is starting to accept that.
Questions:
ReplyDelete1) Do you think that the reverand is really oping for Grant to fail?
2)Do you think that Grant's slef doubt is the real reason why he didn't move away? He hinted that how could he teach Jefferson to be a man if he doesn't know how to be one himself.
1) In my opintion i do infact think that the reverend is opting for Grant to fail at helping Jefferson. I feel this way because he always contradicts what Grant dose to help Jefferson, instead of helping him suceed in doing whats right and teaching Jefferson to be a better person. He trys to do the exact opposite.
ReplyDelete2) Grant's self doubting isn't the reason he didn't move away, i feel that he realized that he could help Jefferson so he stayed. Infact i feel that he dosen't know how to be a man himself. He is trying to teach Jefferson to be a better person and do things for him that will make him feel more important. For example he wanted to give him the icecream so that he would have something to look foward to, or that he would have something of his own for one. I think that although Grant dosen't know how to be a man he will teach Jefferson what he needs to know to become a better person.
I'm Extremely confused about post's. We can clear up what we are missing in class tomarrow and fix it for partial credit. I don't think we are missing much.
ReplyDelete1. Why do you think Jefferson has become so emotional?
ReplyDelete2. Why have Viviana's eating habits changed?
Jefferson begins to show more emotions because Grant is doing the same. The belief in God was what he was brought up on and Jefferson challenges his beliefs in his mind. It scares him to think that there might not be a god. He is afraid to just become nothing after he dies. Grant, who doesn’t believe in God does the same thing and breaks down showing Grant that he isn’t the only one out thee with those types of fears.
ReplyDelete1) I think that jefferson has become more emotional because him and Grant have developed an emotional attachment in a way. Or a emotional bond, there is alot of talk about god and witch makes jefferson uneasy.
ReplyDelete2) I think Viviana's eating habits have changed because of grant and jefferson's emotional bond.
I realy do not recall Vivian eating habits changing in chpter 28
ReplyDeleteMaybe Vivian was having emotional troubles because of Grant's sleffishness and his lack of paying more attention to her.
ReplyDelete1) Does the notebook that Grant gave Jefferson have any significants?
ReplyDelete2) What does Jefferson write to adress his fear of dying? Why does he write it and whats the significants of this?
1) The notebook is very significant because it is a way for Jefferson to express his feelings. He is usually very terrified about expressing his emotions and he also goes into depth about how he doesn't know how to love someone. No one has ever told him that he is appreciated so he feels insignificant.
ReplyDeleteHe writes about how he is supposed to stay strong and not kill himself. He is supposed to go to the electric chair and take it like a man. He knows that he is afraid but he also knows that it is better to die as a man then to die as a coward
ReplyDeleteDo you think that Jefferson went to the Chair as a man?
ReplyDeleteDo you think that if Grant had a chance to leave the state now, would he?
ReplyDeleteSummary of Awnsers:
ReplyDelete1) Jefferson expresses feeling through the notebook. He isn't comfortable expressing his feelings. He feels insignificant.
2) Writes about staying strong, he knows its better to die as a man then as a coward.
1) I do think that jefferson went to the chair as a man because he showed so much growth as a person. For being so down on himself and against himself in a way he showed that he would over come it.
ReplyDelete2) I don't think grant would leave the state now if he had the chance. I think this because he has affected many lives and he always wants to remember jefferson. Jefferson changed him, they changed eachother.