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.
The book lists a variety of foods; Mustard greens with pieces of pork, stewed beef meat, rice, and biscuits are these things Religious in anyway? are these the foods of the Last Supper?
Chapter 17; page 128:
Jefferson looks out the bared window at the sycamore tree, (which we know is already symbolic) where several black birds are perched on the limb. Do you think that these birds mean death is near? a group of crows are called a "murder" according to Critter Facts. What do you think?
NOTE TO RESPONDERS: IF YOU DO NOT CITE PAGE NUMBERS OR PROVIDE SPECIFIC DETAILS FROM THE READING, YOU ARE NOT DOING YOUR JOB.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.
Question # 1: I think that Grant and Vivian need each other in different ways. Vivian is a single mother and is looking for a man that can help her out with her kids and love and support her. Grant needs Vivian because without her Grant might leave resulting in Jefferson dying like a hog. On page 159 the page describes how grant wants Vivian an absolutely no one else.
Question 2: Jefferson is ready to die and rejects help from the people who love him. page 137 at the bottom illustrates that Jefferson is almost starving himself to make scapegoat the pain hes feeling of depression.
Question 1:I think they complete each other and being together helps them feel less alone in both being scholarly black southerners in a small town. "Do you know what 'obligation' means ?" pg 139. this signifies the responsibility he would have to face with vivian and her kids.
question 2: I think he really wants to be helped but he doesn't think hes worth it. "'cause I'm going to die anyhow - that's what you tying to say". he is really in need of help but thinks hes a hog
To Kasper (my response did not go through the first time)
Question 1: I do believe it signifies his last supper. Since Jefferson is compaired to Jesus in the fact that he is persecuted falsy and is being made an example of.
Question 2: I think the birds represent a fate that Jefferson cannot escape. Eventually the birds may leave but not before Jefferson does.
I agree with you Adam and I think that there are defiantly religious references in this book. I agree that Jefferson is being falsely accused and is being punished as an example to justify that the white man is superior. The birds leaving; I think represents the inevitable death that Jefferson is nearing. I agree with what you said but I think that the scene has more significance than the reader might catch at first.
1. I do not think that the ice cream has any significance. I only think that Jefferson wants ice cream to comfort his and to bring him back to a time where he felt comfortable and safe. 2. I think that Grant is starting to realize that he is actually helping Jefferson and so is he. Grant and Jefferson are getting closer and jefferson is starting to open up more.
Summation: I do truley believe that both answers are valid. It is true Vivian and Grant without a doubt need each. I imagine it blossoms into something much more. Since both of you said he is rejecting help I think it is interesting how someone in his position would not accept help. Maybe in the book we will see a slight change.
question 1. page 199 Why do you think Grant starts a fight with the two men? Is it because he thinks he is responsible for Jefferson or maybe is it because he has aquired a bond with Jefferson?
question 2. page 190 Considering that gumbo is an old recipe do you think that it brings joy and hope and a sense of belonging to Jefferson?
(To Kasper) Response 1: I think Grant starts the fight out of pure frustration. He is forced to hold so many emotions in he saw it as an outlet to express his anger.
Response 2: I don't think Jefferson sees the food as a sign of unity. It may in fact bring back painful memories and in turn he doesnt want to eat them.
On page 217 1) I think Grant says he is lost becuase in the sense that he doesn't know what to do with his life. He has a hard time choosing whether to stay or leave the town forever. These obstecles restrains Grant's actions toward leaving or staying.
Page 216 2) I think yes, and I say this because as of right now Grant is just frustrated but Grant is no where near a selfish man. He teaches a school that he doesn't want to and he goes to see Jefferson against his own will.
To Adams Responce I agree with your statements and that Grant is filled up with emotions and takes it out on them. Grant also put so much time and heart into Jefferson that he has developed a friendship bond that he is willing to fight for. I do think howerver that the food is comforting he can't wait to eat it and is constantly worried about it becoming cold.
Summary because no comments on my Questions On page 220. I think that when Grant reads Jeffersons notebook he really starts to understand him. When Jefferson writes "Man walk on two foots; hogs on four hoofs". I think this is really interesting because Jefferson is starting to realize that he is not an animal but a person.. a man.
To Rachel 1)I think the author decided to give a chapter in Jeffersons point of view because it is nearing his execution and the reader is finally able to understand what he is thinking. His thoughts and feelings are finally in his own words.
2) I believe Jefferson made the change in Grant. This is evident on pg 223 when Grant says "Yes, Jefferson, I believe in God. Grant finally sees the value and tradition of religion.
A page I found interesting from Chapter 28: Page 223 was by far the most engaging and eye openeing page in the book. It dove deep into the emotions of both Grant and Jefferson. It also showed that Grant has some skeletons left in his closet and he is finally about to come face to face with them.
1) I believe that this chapter makes the reader feel more sympathetic for Jefferson and can connect with him at a close level. I think that this section is not just emotional but illustrates Jeffersons lack of education.
2)I think that Grant's influence has finally gone into Jeffersons head and Jefferson is changing just as much as Grant is. I think that they influence each other and that they have created a strong friendship between them.
Chapter 30: page.239 Question 1)When the author writes about the car that parks in the parking space marked "OFFICIAL" do you believe that this is hinting at Jefferson's final hour? (like is it "official" that now he will die)?
Chapter 31: page.241 Do you think that the Gruesome Gerty is symbolic? Is it ironic that people halt their actions in order to look at this perhaps symbolic object?
to kasper;; #1. when it says "parked in front of the court house in a space marked OFFICIAL" on page 239 i think just saying with out actually saying that the person parked there is for the execution and thats part of the details that lead you to infer that.
#2. I think that gruesome gerty is symbolic and i think it symbolizes death bc on page 241 the state "whoever sat in Gruesome Gerty's lap when she was hot never sat again". also when they say that people stop and look i think is ironc bc alot of people stopped what they were doing to pay respects to Jefferson.
I think that in chapter 16 on page 121 thiss quote shows that jefferson is at his lowest in the entire book were he truely bealieves that he is nothing "His eyes were blank , my aunt said 'just blank, blank' was how sahe said it " also in chapter 18 when jefferson says " hogs don't give nothing, hogs don't leave nothing." makes me feel sad and feels like giving up hope on jefferson
chapter 24: Grant tells jefferson he could be a hero in the book. I think that this will not only affect jeffersons change and make him see that he is more of a man but also grants to make him see that he cares and that people so change. "I want you to show them the difference between what they think you are and what you can be."
Chapter 25: the passage were Claiborne yells at him is my favorite part, "no, you ain't got enough yet." it shows how Grant is really sonfused and also that standing up for jefferson to the mallottos shows that he is trying to make a differnce.
Chapter 27: on page3 214 it shows how discrimination and racial prejudice is taking its toll on Grant. he is losing fate because of all the horrible things that happened in the world."i don't bealieve in that other world, Reverend"
Chapter 29:The first passage Jefferson writes about in his diary is my favorite he writes "I ain't never wrote a letter in my life i think it is signifigant and shows all the things he didn't get to do in heis life
Chapter 17; page 137:
ReplyDeleteThe book lists a variety of foods; Mustard greens with pieces of pork, stewed beef meat, rice, and biscuits are these things Religious in anyway? are these the foods of the Last Supper?
Chapter 17; page 128:
Jefferson looks out the bared window at the sycamore tree, (which we know is already symbolic) where several black birds are perched on the limb. Do you think that these birds mean death is near? a group of crows are called a "murder" according to Critter Facts. What do you think?
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.
ReplyDeleteBoth Vivian and Grant live a life feeling unfulfilled. Do you think them being together is a good thing for both of them?
ReplyDeleteThe way Jefferson is reacting to both his aunt and Grant do you think he really wants to be helped?
Why hasn't anyone responded to Kasper's questions?
ReplyDeleteAdam what Chapter(s) are these questions from?
ReplyDeleteThere from chapter 18 as it becomes more evident that both Grant and Jefferson are confused men.
ReplyDeleteQuestion # 1: I think that Grant and Vivian need each other in different ways. Vivian is a single mother and is looking for a man that can help her out with her kids and love and support her. Grant needs Vivian because without her Grant might leave resulting in Jefferson dying like a hog. On page 159 the page describes how grant wants Vivian an absolutely no one else.
ReplyDeleteQuestion 2: Jefferson is ready to die and rejects help from the people who love him. page 137 at the bottom illustrates that Jefferson is almost starving himself to make scapegoat the pain hes feeling of depression.
Question 1:I think they complete each other and being together helps them feel less alone in both being scholarly black southerners in a small town. "Do you know what 'obligation' means ?" pg 139. this signifies the responsibility he would have to face with vivian and her kids.
ReplyDeletequestion 2: I think he really wants to be helped but he doesn't think hes worth it. "'cause I'm going to die anyhow - that's what you tying to say". he is really in need of help but thinks hes a hog
Question 1: what was the signifagance of the ice cream gallon that jefferson wanted?
ReplyDeleteQuestion 2: Do you think Grant is gaining or losing hope in making jefferson a 'man'?
Question 1: I think the significance is that it acts as a last supper. It also shows that he is showing a shred of humanity.
ReplyDeleteQuestion 2: I think he is gaining hope. It is evident when Jefferson asks for the ice cream and becomes so attatched to the radio.
To Kasper (my response did not go through the first time)
ReplyDeleteQuestion 1: I do believe it signifies his last supper. Since Jefferson is compaired to Jesus in the fact that he is persecuted falsy and is being made an example of.
Question 2: I think the birds represent a fate that Jefferson cannot escape. Eventually the birds may leave but not before Jefferson does.
I agree with you Adam and I think that there are defiantly religious references in this book. I agree that Jefferson is being falsely accused and is being punished as an example to justify that the white man is superior.
ReplyDeleteThe birds leaving; I think represents the inevitable death that Jefferson is nearing. I agree with what you said but I think that the scene has more significance than the reader might catch at first.
To Rachels Questions
ReplyDelete1. I do not think that the ice cream has any significance. I only think that Jefferson wants ice cream to comfort his and to bring him back to a time where he felt comfortable and safe.
2. I think that Grant is starting to realize that he is actually helping Jefferson and so is he. Grant and Jefferson are getting closer and jefferson is starting to open up more.
Summation: I do truley believe that both answers are valid. It is true Vivian and Grant without a doubt need each. I imagine it blossoms into something much more.
ReplyDeleteSince both of you said he is rejecting help I think it is interesting how someone in his position would not accept help. Maybe in the book we will see a slight change.
question 1. page 199
ReplyDeleteWhy do you think Grant starts a fight with the two men? Is it because he thinks he is responsible for Jefferson or maybe is it because he has aquired a bond with Jefferson?
question 2. page 190
Considering that gumbo is an old recipe do you think that it brings joy and hope and a sense of belonging to Jefferson?
Question 1: On page 217 Grant says "Yes, sire, I'm lost. Like most men, I'm Lost." In what sense do you believe Grant to be "Lost"?
ReplyDeleteQuestion 2: On page 216 Grant says "I don't owe anybody anything, Reverend." Do you think in teaching Jefferson, Grant will become less selfish?
(To Kasper) Response 1: I think Grant starts the fight out of pure frustration. He is forced to hold so many emotions in he saw it as an outlet to express his anger.
ReplyDeleteResponse 2: I don't think Jefferson sees the food as a sign of unity. It may in fact bring back painful memories and in turn he doesnt want to eat them.
On page 217
ReplyDelete1) I think Grant says he is lost becuase in the sense that he doesn't know what to do with his life. He has a hard time choosing whether to stay or leave the town forever. These obstecles restrains Grant's actions toward leaving or staying.
Page 216
2) I think yes, and I say this because as of right now Grant is just frustrated but Grant is no where near a selfish man. He teaches a school that he doesn't want to and he goes to see Jefferson against his own will.
To Adams Responce
ReplyDeleteI agree with your statements and that Grant is filled up with emotions and takes it out on them. Grant also put so much time and heart into Jefferson that he has developed a friendship bond that he is willing to fight for. I do think howerver that the food is comforting he can't wait to eat it and is constantly worried about it becoming cold.
Summary because no comments on my Questions On page 220.
ReplyDeleteI think that when Grant reads Jeffersons notebook he really starts to understand him. When Jefferson writes "Man walk on two foots; hogs on four hoofs". I think this is really interesting because Jefferson is starting to realize that he is not an animal but a person.. a man.
Question #1: why do you think the author chose to give a chapter in jeffersons point a view ?
ReplyDeleteQuestion #2 : do you think grant is making a change in jefferson or do you think jefferson is making a change in grant?
To Rachel
ReplyDelete1)I think the author decided to give a chapter in Jeffersons point of view because it is nearing his execution and the reader is finally able to understand what he is thinking. His thoughts and feelings are finally in his own words.
2) I believe Jefferson made the change in Grant. This is evident on pg 223 when Grant says "Yes, Jefferson, I believe in God. Grant finally sees the value and tradition of religion.
A page I found interesting from Chapter 28: Page 223 was by far the most engaging and eye openeing page in the book. It dove deep into the emotions of both Grant and Jefferson. It also showed that Grant has some skeletons left in his closet and he is finally about to come face to face with them.
ReplyDeleteTo Rachel:
ReplyDelete1) I believe that this chapter makes the reader feel more sympathetic for Jefferson and can connect with him at a close level. I think that this section is not just emotional but illustrates Jeffersons lack of education.
2)I think that Grant's influence has finally gone into Jeffersons head and Jefferson is changing just as much as Grant is. I think that they influence each other and that they have created a strong friendship between them.
Chapter 30: page.239
ReplyDeleteQuestion 1)When the author writes about the car that parks in the parking space marked "OFFICIAL" do you believe that this is hinting at Jefferson's final hour? (like is it "official" that now he will die)?
Chapter 31: page.241
Do you think that the Gruesome Gerty is symbolic? Is it ironic that people halt their actions in order to look at this perhaps symbolic object?
to kasper;;
ReplyDelete#1. when it says "parked in front of the court house in a space marked OFFICIAL" on page 239 i think just saying with out actually saying that the person parked there is for the execution and thats part of the details that lead you to infer that.
#2. I think that gruesome gerty is symbolic and i think it symbolizes death bc on page 241 the state "whoever sat in Gruesome Gerty's lap when she was hot never sat again". also when they say that people stop and look i think is ironc bc alot of people stopped what they were doing to pay respects to Jefferson.
Summary Chapter 16-18:
ReplyDeleteI think that in chapter 16 on page 121 thiss quote shows that jefferson is at his lowest in the entire book were he truely bealieves that he is nothing "His eyes were blank , my aunt said 'just blank, blank' was how sahe said it " also in chapter 18 when jefferson says " hogs don't give nothing, hogs don't leave nothing." makes me feel sad and feels like giving up hope on jefferson
Summary chapter 24-26
ReplyDeletechapter 24: Grant tells jefferson he could be a hero in the book. I think that this will not only affect jeffersons change and make him see that he is more of a man but also grants to make him see that he cares and that people so change. "I want you to show them the difference between what they think you are and what you can be."
Chapter 25: the passage were Claiborne yells at him is my favorite part, "no, you ain't got enough yet." it shows how Grant is really sonfused and also that standing up for jefferson to the mallottos shows that he is trying to make a differnce.
Summary chapter 27-29:
ReplyDeleteChapter 27: on page3 214 it shows how discrimination and racial prejudice is taking its toll on Grant. he is losing fate because of all the horrible things that happened in the world."i don't bealieve in that other world, Reverend"
Chapter 29:The first passage Jefferson writes about in his diary is my favorite he writes "I ain't never wrote a letter in my life i think it is signifigant and shows all the things he didn't get to do in heis life