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.
At first Grant was really annoyed about visiting Jefferson because he wasn't making any progress with Jefferson's negative attitude. Grant, rather quickly, changes his mind because he realizes he has made mistakes in his life too. This causes Grant to see the side of himself he needed all along, to make Jefferson a better person.
Grant's drastic change in behavior might be because he is beggining to lose hope in making Jefferson a man. Grant continuosly visits Jefferson but has no progress, Jefferson still feels like he is a "hog" instead of a man. I believe Vivian is somewhat of a contribution to Grant's drastic change in behavior because she is the one that is pushing Grant to continue visiting Jefferson. Grant even mentions this on pg 129 and 130. Jefferson continues saying "keep vexing me.." and Grant explains the only reason he is coming to visit Jefferson is for Vivian.
On page 141 Vivian and Grant are having a conversation. Grant brings up escaping town again, saying nothing has changed, but Vivian disagrees saying something has changed. I believe that this is because Vivian sees some change in Grant through trying to help Jefferson become a man. In Grant's process in making jefferson a man, he figuring out what a man really is.
In chapter 19 Grant becomes very depressed and keeps saying there is nothing else left to be changed.. Do you think there is a deeper meaning to why he truly believes nothing is changing anymore? Does this have anything to relate to trying to make Jefferson a man?
In chapter 20, Grant notices that twelve white men have convicted Jefferson and a white man set the date for his execution, what do you think the purpose was for Grant to bring this to our attention. Do you think he brought it up out of bitterness or is there a deeper meaning?
In response to your answers: Paul said that Grant changed his attitude because he started to realize his own mistakes in his life. I agree that Grant is starting to realize that his attitude is part of his problem. I agree with Kelley that Vivian has contributed to the change as well.
Grant is one of those people that needs a change of scenery in order to be happy. He's tired of being in Cajun, having the same routine, and seeing the same people. Jefferson hasn't shown much improvement, which could cause some frustration for Grant. He's also sick of being criticized for his lack of faith, as shown on pg. 146 when Reverend Ambrose offers a prayer. All of these factors could be contributing to Grant's depressed state.
I find it interesting that it's just now that Grant mentions the all white jury. He even recognizes the possibility of Jefferson being innocent. On pg. 158, Grant thinks to himself that Jefferson could have been at the wrong place at the wrong time. Grant may be mentioning this because he's just starting to understand Jefferson on a more personal level, and perhaps seeing him as a man.
in response to the questions i asked, i agree with emily that Grant is the type of person that needs constant change. The fact that everything is the same and there is no progress with Jefferson is definately a factor towards Grant's depression. I also agree that Grant is beginning to understand Jefferson a little more. I think Grant is beginning to realize what a man really is, which makes leads to Grant making a comment about the white jury and justice as well.
1) I believe the radio represents hope for Jefferson. Perhaps not having his sentence changed, but perhaps his outlook on life. I think there might be a significance in the efforts Grant made in purchasing the radio. The clerk was not willing to give him a brand-new radio in a box, as shown on pg. 75. Grant insisted on purchasing a new one. I believe this displays Grant's change of attitude towards Jefferson. Perhaps, he is gaining more respect, maybe gaining more hope for Jefferson.
2) I believe that Jefferson has come to terms with his death sentence. His attitude has changed drastically. At the end of ch. 23, he even asked Grant to thank the children for the nuts. Even having Jefferson talk, is a major improvement.
1. I agree with emily when she said the radio is a symbol of hope for Jefferson. The radio will give Jefferson some connection to life outside of jail. The radio also symbolized progress between Grant and Jefferson in that he talked a little more and let Grant know what he wants. For example on page 170, Jefferson says he wants a whole pint of ice cream as his last supper. This and the radio shows that Jefferson has a little hope and faith other than thinking about his sentence day.
2. I don't think Jefferson's attitude on being in jail changed much, but i do think there is somewhat progress of him gaining hope. He begins to have things to look forward to like the radio and pint of ice cream from chapter 22. and as emily said he asked Grant to thank the children for the nuts, which shows he is beginning to think more about life other than the day he is going to die.
1) Grant's opinion is changed because he realizes that he is getting through to Jefferson to start acting like a person, instead of a hog. He realizes this when Jefferson wants to listen to the radio and be connected to the outside world, instead of just staying isolated in his jail cell.
2) Grant does think he is getting through to Jefferson, and he still has hope for him. Grant is believing in Jefferson so much that he actually fights the men in the bar because he believes that Jefferson is a man and not a hog and deserves to be treated like one.
1. I think that since Grant is slowly realizing that he is making progress with Jefferson, he is beginning to gain back hope to help Jefferson become a man and not just a "hog" that everyone else thinks he is. The more progress Grant sees in Jefferson the more he wants to help and stick up for him. This is supported well by the quote on page 191 when Grant says "I want you to show them the difference between what they think you are and what you can be."
2. The bar scene was a huge turning point for Grant. This scene showed that Jefferson is not just another student to Grant. Jefferson is someone Grant cares about now and wants to help. The fact that Grant stood up for Jefferson immediately after he heard the men saying Jefferson should have been executed a long time ago, shows how much Jefferson means to Grant. Grant wants to prove to himself, Jefferson, and everyone else that he is not a hog, but a hero just like Grant said in Chapter 24.
On page 229, what is the bet Mr pichot and mr mogan are talking about? how do you think Jefferson felt when he heard they were making a bet about him?
Do you think Grant finally came through and made Jefferson realize he is a man, or do you think Jefferson found this out by himself after writing in his journal and thinking about his life so much?
I agree with Paul and Kelley that Jefferson is finally realizing that he indeed is a man, not a hog. Jefferson has contributed greatly to these changes. By believing in Jefferson's ability to change, Grant gives hope to Jefferson, thus contributing to the change.
1) Mr Pichot and Mr. Morgan are refering to the bet whether or not Jefferson would change from a hog into a man. The Jefferson at the beginning of the novel probably would feel discouraged, and would go to his animal like behaviors of eating of the ground, but the new Jefferson probably feells motivation to prove the men wrong.
2)I believe that Grant had a signigigant part in changing Jefferson, but the change could not have happened without Jefferson deciding to make the change himself. Jefferson doesn't ever directly write in his diary that Grant changed him, but Jefferson tells Jefferson of comfoting Miss Emma on pg 231.
In response to Emily, i agree that the "old" Jefferson would feel quite discouraged hearing a bet being mad about him, but the "new" Jefferson has more faith now and nows he is a man and is willing to prove it. I also agree that Grant had a big impact on changing Jefferson, but it was up to Jefferson to finally give himself a chance to stop thinking he was a hog, and start knowing that he is a man.
After reading chapter 26 and 27, the dialog between Vivian and Grant on page 205 stuck out to me. "I'm sorry honey" "i just couldn't help it" "Yes you could" " i couldn't" "You could have just walked out of there" "Can Jefferson walk out of where he is?" The one statement that pops out to me is when Grant said "can Jefferson walk out of where he is?" This statement was somewhat of a turning point for Grant because this is one of the first times Grant actually shows compassion towards Jefferson. He's willing to stick up for Jefferson and has sympathy for him. Grant is finally wanting to make Jefferson into a man.
In chapter 28 page 225 - "My eyes were closed before this moment, Jefferson. My eyes have been closed all my life. Yes, we all need you. Every last one of us" I agree with Grant when he says this to Jefferson. If it wasn't for Jefferson, Grant would have been blind his whole life, because of Jefferson Grant begins to realize the meaning of life and death, and what it truly means to be brave and to be a man, which is exactly what Jefferson is showing. The rest of the town is realizing this as well and begin to look up to Jefferson because he is being so brave.
After reading chapter 30 and 31, the last page of the book, page 256 stuck out to me the most. "i don't know what you're going to say when you go back in there. But tell them he was the bravest man in that room today. I'm a witness, Grant Wiggins. Tell them so." This quote spoken by Paul emphasizes the impact Jefferson had on people's lives. Jefferson became somewhat of a role model because of his bravery. As he walked to the chair, he knew he was not a hog, but a man. and he was proud. Grant showed emotions when Paul said this, portraying that Grant really but his heart in the situation to do everything in his power to help Jefferson. Like Paul said "It would be an honor" for Grant to be able to tell others about how much of a brave man Jefferson really was.
Ch. 26 & 27: At the end of chapter 26, after arguing with Vivian, Grant said that "he would just leave". Replying to this, Vivian says, "Sure that's the easy way out-leave". I think that she may be referring to when Grant tried to leave, but ended up coming back, mentioned earlier on in the novel. It was also discussed early on how all men do if something becomes difficult is to leave. After the fight, Grant goes back in the house and buries his face in Vivian's lap. I think he did this because Jefferson is improving, and he must die.
Ch. 28: I believe that it's significant that Grant said that Christ "never said a mumbling word" before Jefferson was killed. He wants Jefferson to bravely walk to the chair, walking like a man. This is Grant's way of motivating Jefferson to accept the execution just as Christ accepted his. Christ had a purpose of coming to earth and being killed, just as Grant is trying to convince Jefferson of himself.
Ch. 30 & 31 After the execution, Paul reports of its ending to Grant. Paul shows a lot of respect. By the end of the story, Paul considered both Grant and Jefferson as friends. I feel it is very significant that Paul shakes Grant's hand with both of his. This single gesture says a lot about Paul as a person, and his attitude towards different races. Through out the book, it seems as though Grant always has to wait for someone "important" for sometimes hours at a time, just to have a simple conversation with them. They speak with him when it's convenient for themselves, taking no consideration of Grant's bust schedule teaching. The difference between these two gestures are great. Paul showing respect to Grant at the end of the book gives the reader a sense of hope.
Ch. 19&20 Grant's students sing for a Christmas program, which they do every year and sing the same song. Grant gets depressed from this, because he realizes its just repetition and nothing new. Also, Jefferson's execution has been announced and Grant goes to speak with Sheriff Guidry. Sheriff Guidry has a specific time of day when Jefferson is going to die, and he thinks he is being kind for giving him that time, while Grant is really upset because the execution is more serious than that.
Ch.26&27 Grant awakes after being in a fight at the bar the night before, because he was knocked out by Claiborne. Even though Vivian disapproves of violence, she is not angry about Grant's fight because he was sticking up for Jefferson. This is a very important part of the book because Grant shows some change that there is hope for him to help Jefferson become a man. After the fight, Grant talks with Reverend Ambrose, and admits that he doesnt really believe in God anymore. This is also very important because Grant doesn't really know what to tell Jefferson to believe in, because he doesn't want to lie to him.
Ch. 28 Grant visits Jefferson, where he finds the notebook he left Jefferson to write all of his feelings in. In the notebook one of the most important things in the book has happened. Grant reads how Jefferson describes the difference between men and hogs. Jefferson also states that he is not a hog and believes he is a man. This gives Grant more hope to keep visiting Jefferson, because it shows that progress has been made towards Jefferson becoming a man and walking to the chair with dignity, instead of with shame.
Ch. 29 This chapter is about how Jefferson's diary explains that everyone in his life has not treated him so badly. He explains how some people have actually showed some sympathy even though he is an African American in jail. These people were not all just African Americans themselves, some were actually whites and they still treated him like a human, and not as an animal.
Ch. 30&31 This is when the execution actually takes place. Grant does not go to the execution himself, but recieves the news about how Jefferson went to the chair from Paul. Grant is relieved to hear that Jefferson went to the chair with the most dignity of any man in the room and it was clear that he believed he was a real man instead of a hog. This cheers Grant up a little bit, because he knows that his hard work has paid off in the end and that he actually got through to Jefferson.
What do you think caused the drastic change of Grant's attitude at the beginning of Ch. 17? How do you think Vivian contributed to this?
ReplyDeleteAt the end of Ch. 18, Vivian says something is changing. What is she referring to?
At first Grant was really annoyed about visiting Jefferson because he wasn't making any progress with Jefferson's negative attitude. Grant, rather quickly, changes his mind because he realizes he has made mistakes in his life too. This causes Grant to see the side of himself he needed all along, to make Jefferson a better person.
ReplyDeleteGrant's drastic change in behavior might be because he is beggining to lose hope in making Jefferson a man. Grant continuosly visits Jefferson but has no progress, Jefferson still feels like he is a "hog" instead of a man. I believe Vivian is somewhat of a contribution to Grant's drastic change in behavior because she is the one that is pushing Grant to continue visiting Jefferson. Grant even mentions this on pg 129 and 130. Jefferson continues saying "keep vexing me.." and Grant explains the only reason he is coming to visit Jefferson is for Vivian.
ReplyDeleteOn page 141 Vivian and Grant are having a conversation. Grant brings up escaping town again, saying nothing has changed, but Vivian disagrees saying something has changed. I believe that this is because Vivian sees some change in Grant through trying to help Jefferson become a man. In Grant's process in making jefferson a man, he figuring out what a man really is.
In chapter 19 Grant becomes very depressed and keeps saying there is nothing else left to be changed.. Do you think there is a deeper meaning to why he truly believes nothing is changing anymore? Does this have anything to relate to trying to make Jefferson a man?
ReplyDeleteIn chapter 20, Grant notices that twelve white men have convicted Jefferson and a white man set the date for his execution, what do you think the purpose was for Grant to bring this to our attention. Do you think he brought it up out of bitterness or is there a deeper meaning?
In response to your answers: Paul said that Grant changed his attitude because he started to realize his own mistakes in his life. I agree that Grant is starting to realize that his attitude is part of his problem. I agree with Kelley that Vivian has contributed to the change as well.
ReplyDeleteGrant is one of those people that needs a change of scenery in order to be happy. He's tired of being in Cajun, having the same routine, and seeing the same people. Jefferson hasn't shown much improvement, which could cause some frustration for Grant. He's also sick of being criticized for his lack of faith, as shown on pg. 146 when Reverend Ambrose offers a prayer. All of these factors could be contributing to Grant's depressed state.
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting that it's just now that Grant mentions the all white jury. He even recognizes the possibility of Jefferson being innocent. On pg. 158, Grant thinks to himself that Jefferson could have been at the wrong place at the wrong time. Grant may be mentioning this because he's just starting to understand Jefferson on a more personal level, and perhaps seeing him as a man.
1) Is the radio going to be important to Grant, or is it just in the chapter for description?
ReplyDelete2) How has Jefferson's perspective on himself being in jail changed? Has he gained some hope in himself?
in response to the questions i asked, i agree with emily that Grant is the type of person that needs constant change. The fact that everything is the same and there is no progress with Jefferson is definately a factor towards Grant's depression. I also agree that Grant is beginning to understand Jefferson a little more. I think Grant is beginning to realize what a man really is, which makes leads to Grant making a comment about the white jury and justice as well.
ReplyDelete1) I believe the radio represents hope for Jefferson. Perhaps not having his sentence changed, but perhaps his outlook on life. I think there might be a significance in the efforts Grant made in purchasing the radio. The clerk was not willing to give him a brand-new radio in a box, as shown on pg. 75. Grant insisted on purchasing a new one. I believe this displays Grant's change of attitude towards Jefferson. Perhaps, he is gaining more respect, maybe gaining more hope for Jefferson.
ReplyDelete2) I believe that Jefferson has come to terms with his death sentence. His attitude has changed drastically. At the end of ch. 23, he even asked Grant to thank the children for the nuts. Even having Jefferson talk, is a major improvement.
1. I agree with emily when she said the radio is a symbol of hope for Jefferson. The radio will give Jefferson some connection to life outside of jail. The radio also symbolized progress between Grant and Jefferson in that he talked a little more and let Grant know what he wants. For example on page 170, Jefferson says he wants a whole pint of ice cream as his last supper. This and the radio shows that Jefferson has a little hope and faith other than thinking about his sentence day.
ReplyDelete2. I don't think Jefferson's attitude on being in jail changed much, but i do think there is somewhat progress of him gaining hope. He begins to have things to look forward to like the radio and pint of ice cream from chapter 22. and as emily said he asked Grant to thank the children for the nuts, which shows he is beginning to think more about life other than the day he is going to die.
response to questions i asked:
ReplyDelete1) The radio symbolizes hope for Jefferson because he will have some connection to the outside world instead of just his jail cell.
2) Jefferson's attitude has changed because he is starting to show hope and consideration for what others are doing for him.
1)In your opinion, what has changed Grant's attitude or outlook shown on page 193? Who or what events has contributed to this change?
ReplyDelete2)Has Grant reached his breaking point? Does Grant's new relationship with Jefferson contribute to Grant's decision to argue with the men in the bar?
1) Grant's opinion is changed because he realizes that he is getting through to Jefferson to start acting like a person, instead of a hog. He realizes this when Jefferson wants to listen to the radio and be connected to the outside world, instead of just staying isolated in his jail cell.
ReplyDelete2) Grant does think he is getting through to Jefferson, and he still has hope for him. Grant is believing in Jefferson so much that he actually fights the men in the bar because he believes that Jefferson is a man and not a hog and deserves to be treated like one.
1. I think that since Grant is slowly realizing that he is making progress with Jefferson, he is beginning to gain back hope to help Jefferson become a man and not just a "hog" that everyone else thinks he is. The more progress Grant sees in Jefferson the more he wants to help and stick up for him. This is supported well by the quote on page 191 when Grant says "I want you to show them the difference between what they think you are and what you can be."
ReplyDelete2. The bar scene was a huge turning point for Grant. This scene showed that Jefferson is not just another student to Grant. Jefferson is someone Grant cares about now and wants to help. The fact that Grant stood up for Jefferson immediately after he heard the men saying Jefferson should have been executed a long time ago, shows how much Jefferson means to Grant. Grant wants to prove to himself, Jefferson, and everyone else that he is not a hog, but a hero just like Grant said in Chapter 24.
On page 229, what is the bet Mr pichot and mr mogan are talking about? how do you think Jefferson felt when he heard they were making a bet about him?
ReplyDeleteDo you think Grant finally came through and made Jefferson realize he is a man, or do you think Jefferson found this out by himself after writing in his journal and thinking about his life so much?
In response to answers:
ReplyDeleteI agree with Paul and Kelley that Jefferson is finally realizing that he indeed is a man, not a hog. Jefferson has contributed greatly to these changes. By believing in Jefferson's ability to change, Grant gives hope to Jefferson, thus contributing to the change.
1) Mr Pichot and Mr. Morgan are refering to the bet whether or not Jefferson would change from a hog into a man. The Jefferson at the beginning of the novel probably would feel discouraged, and would go to his animal like behaviors of eating of the ground, but the new Jefferson probably feells motivation to prove the men wrong.
ReplyDelete2)I believe that Grant had a signigigant part in changing Jefferson, but the change could not have happened without Jefferson deciding to make the change himself. Jefferson doesn't ever directly write in his diary that Grant changed him, but Jefferson tells Jefferson of comfoting Miss Emma on pg 231.
In response to Emily, i agree that the "old" Jefferson would feel quite discouraged hearing a bet being mad about him, but the "new" Jefferson has more faith now and nows he is a man and is willing to prove it. I also agree that Grant had a big impact on changing Jefferson, but it was up to Jefferson to finally give himself a chance to stop thinking he was a hog, and start knowing that he is a man.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading chapter 26 and 27, the dialog between Vivian and Grant on page 205 stuck out to me.
ReplyDelete"I'm sorry honey"
"i just couldn't help it"
"Yes you could"
" i couldn't"
"You could have just walked out of there"
"Can Jefferson walk out of where he is?"
The one statement that pops out to me is when Grant said "can Jefferson walk out of where he is?" This statement was somewhat of a turning point for Grant because this is one of the first times Grant actually shows compassion towards Jefferson. He's willing to stick up for Jefferson and has sympathy for him. Grant is finally wanting to make Jefferson into a man.
In chapter 28 page 225 - "My eyes were closed before this moment, Jefferson. My eyes have been closed all my life. Yes, we all need you. Every last one of us" I agree with Grant when he says this to Jefferson. If it wasn't for Jefferson, Grant would have been blind his whole life, because of Jefferson Grant begins to realize the meaning of life and death, and what it truly means to be brave and to be a man, which is exactly what Jefferson is showing. The rest of the town is realizing this as well and begin to look up to Jefferson because he is being so brave.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading chapter 30 and 31, the last page of the book, page 256 stuck out to me the most. "i don't know what you're going to say when you go back in there. But tell them he was the bravest man in that room today. I'm a witness, Grant Wiggins. Tell them so." This quote spoken by Paul emphasizes the impact Jefferson had on people's lives. Jefferson became somewhat of a role model because of his bravery. As he walked to the chair, he knew he was not a hog, but a man. and he was proud. Grant showed emotions when Paul said this, portraying that Grant really but his heart in the situation to do everything in his power to help Jefferson. Like Paul said "It would be an honor" for Grant to be able to tell others about how much of a brave man Jefferson really was.
ReplyDeleteCh. 26 & 27:
ReplyDeleteAt the end of chapter 26, after arguing with Vivian, Grant said that "he would just leave". Replying to this, Vivian says, "Sure that's the easy way out-leave". I think that she may be referring to when Grant tried to leave, but ended up coming back, mentioned earlier on in the novel. It was also discussed early on how all men do if something becomes difficult is to leave. After the fight, Grant goes back in the house and buries his face in Vivian's lap. I think he did this because Jefferson is improving, and he must die.
Ch. 28:
ReplyDeleteI believe that it's significant that Grant said that Christ "never said a mumbling word" before Jefferson was killed. He wants Jefferson to bravely walk to the chair, walking like a man. This is Grant's way of motivating Jefferson to accept the execution just as Christ accepted his. Christ had a purpose of coming to earth and being killed, just as Grant is trying to convince Jefferson of himself.
Ch. 30 & 31
ReplyDeleteAfter the execution, Paul reports of its ending to Grant. Paul shows a lot of respect. By the end of the story, Paul considered both Grant and Jefferson as friends. I feel it is very significant that Paul shakes Grant's hand with both of his. This single gesture says a lot about Paul as a person, and his attitude towards different races. Through out the book, it seems as though Grant always has to wait for someone "important" for sometimes hours at a time, just to have a simple conversation with them. They speak with him when it's convenient for themselves, taking no consideration of Grant's bust schedule teaching. The difference between these two gestures are great. Paul showing respect to Grant at the end of the book gives the reader a sense of hope.
Ch. 19&20
ReplyDeleteGrant's students sing for a Christmas program, which they do every year and sing the same song. Grant gets depressed from this, because he realizes its just repetition and nothing new. Also, Jefferson's execution has been announced and Grant goes to speak with Sheriff Guidry. Sheriff Guidry has a specific time of day when Jefferson is going to die, and he thinks he is being kind for giving him that time, while Grant is really upset because the execution is more serious than that.
Ch.26&27
Grant awakes after being in a fight at the bar the night before, because he was knocked out by Claiborne. Even though Vivian disapproves of violence, she is not angry about Grant's fight because he was sticking up for Jefferson. This is a very important part of the book because Grant shows some change that there is hope for him to help Jefferson become a man. After the fight, Grant talks with Reverend Ambrose, and admits that he doesnt really believe in God anymore. This is also very important because Grant doesn't really know what to tell Jefferson to believe in, because he doesn't want to lie to him.
Ch. 28
Grant visits Jefferson, where he finds the notebook he left Jefferson to write all of his feelings in. In the notebook one of the most important things in the book has happened. Grant reads how Jefferson describes the difference between men and hogs. Jefferson also states that he is not a hog and believes he is a man. This gives Grant more hope to keep visiting Jefferson, because it shows that progress has been made towards Jefferson becoming a man and walking to the chair with dignity, instead of with shame.
Ch. 29
This chapter is about how Jefferson's diary explains that everyone in his life has not treated him so badly. He explains how some people have actually showed some sympathy even though he is an African American in jail. These people were not all just African Americans themselves, some were actually whites and they still treated him like a human, and not as an animal.
Ch. 30&31
This is when the execution actually takes place. Grant does not go to the execution himself, but recieves the news about how Jefferson went to the chair from Paul. Grant is relieved to hear that Jefferson went to the chair with the most dignity of any man in the room and it was clear that he believed he was a real man instead of a hog. This cheers Grant up a little bit, because he knows that his hard work has paid off in the end and that he actually got through to Jefferson.