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.
@Kristna G. I think there's a specific reason why we haven't been introduced to her children. maybe it's because we're not supposed to know Vivian's character like that, and we never hear about Vivian's children because they have no effect on the novel. Or maybe the children have a very specific purpose in the story that we have yet to be introduced too.
I'm not sure grant has taken a new outlook on life completely, I think grant feels humiliated by the the people in Jeffersons cell and is determined to prove them wrong. He wants people to know that he himself is not a hog nor is jefferson.
1. I think Grant has recently taken a new outlook on life because Vivian is really counting on him to help Jefferson become a man, she thinks it will help him clear his mind to think about what he wants. Vivian wants him to realize what real commitment is, and it's not as easy as Grant thinks it is. 2. I think we haven't been introduced to Vivian's children yet, because i feel like there is going to be a big twist involving them that might hurt their relatinship. It is kind of strange how we weren't introduced to them already.
NOTE TO RESPONDERS: IF YOU DO NOT CITE PAGE NUMBERS OR PROVIDE SPECIFIC DETAILS FROM THE READING, YOU ARE NOT DOING YOUR JOB.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 believe that Grant dedicated the christmas play after Jefferson because Jefferson could definitely use all of the prayers he could get. "This hog know. Fattening up for Christmas. Kill him at Christmastime." (Gaines 140). It is obvious that Jefferson still does not have much hope left in his life. Grant knew that more people would come to the ceremony if there was a sole purpose besides the fact that it was Christmas. Even though the community knows that they can't do much about this whole situation, getting together and praying as a whole is the least they can do.
" And on Friday too. Always on Friday. Same time as He died, between twelve and three. But they can't take this one's life too soon after the recognition of His death, because it might upset the sensitive few. It can happen less than two weeks later, though, because even the sensitive few will have forgotten about their Savior's death by then." (Gaines 158). I think Grant acts the way he does when finding out about Jefferson's date because, he doesn't think it is right. He doesn't think that any man, besides God, has the right to take another man's life.
Why do you think there are so many references towards God and religion in this story? Is it revealing that having faith in God will bring about life changing miracles?
1. Yes, i think Jefferson could be a hero that Grant speaks of because he has the potential of being a hero by having the capability to make Miss Emma and his loved ones proud, and die like a man. "The white people out there are saying that you dont have it- that you're a hog, not a man. But i know they are wrong. You have the potentials. We all have, no matter who we are." Just by proving those other men wrong, and making Jefferson's loved ones happy he can be a hero, and i think Jefferson has already made progress already, and can be a hero to his loved ones.
2. I think religion is a big part of these characters lives, and they believe god is the savior. As the Reverand said Jefferson should not have that sin box in the cell with him, and that he should have god. They believe that everybody needs god to be saved. Yes this book reveals that some of the characters believe that having faith in god can change you and save you. Miss emma believs that god can change Jefferson, and help him become a man.
1. I think Grant definitely believes that jefferson can be a hero before he dies. Grant tells Jefferson "that a hero does something other men do not do or cannot do." jefferson is already going to die so Grant is suggesting that he has the power to represent all black people and stand up to the white people who look down on them.
2. I think the references to God and religion have a symbol meaning towards jefferson. Jefferson could represent a christ like figure because he is in a position where he can represent change and make an impact. Ambros seems to think that the only way to go out with a feeling of self worth would be to accept God, while Grant seems to believe that Jefferson just needs to stand up to his people and go out with honor.
i believe that Grant is trying to help Jefferson for truly sympathetic reasons. At first, Grant was only going to see Jefferson because his reputation depended on it, and his family was pushing him to do so. He wanted to back out, because he felt that this boy could never become a man. But as the weeks went by, Grant became more attached to Jefferson, and this obligation turned into something he actually wanted to do. "Do you like fruit, Jefferson? I can pick up some fruit-and some pecans. Ice cream? Funny books? Things like that." (Gaines170). Grant shows a true interest in Jefferson, in trying to make him happy. I think that Jefferson has gave Grant something to believe in, something to try for. Grant has changed a lot since the beginning of the book, in this way.
This question somewhat contradicts the first one. I think that Grant goes back and forth with his feelings sometimes. He wants things to go his way, for all the time in the past that it hasn't. Grant is just trying to fulfill his dreams that he's always had, but never been able to achieve. He's being selfish because right now he really wants to live life for himself, but he wants to share it with his girlfriend; who can't necessarily leave at the drop of a dime. All of these little things, that he has planned out, and are not really going his way, in turn make him upset.
1. I believe that Grant feels that he has to help Jefferson for a number of different reasons, I think grant knows that if he doesn't continue to see Jefferson Vivian will be upset with him. I also believe that grant wants to prove that Jefferson isn't a hog and he doesn't want Jefferson to die and be labeled as a hog just like all the people he grew up with.
1)Jefferson think's that rich people get what they want and if poor people want something they have to work for it and earn it. There is so many things that jefferson wished he could have done or had before he died that rich people can do all the time.
2) This information does imply that Jefferson is making a progress because he admits to caring and loving Miss Emma, and he ask's for Miss Emma's food and is writing things down. "i cry cause you been so good to me mr wigin an nobody aint never been that good to me an make me think im somebody"(Page 232) Jefferson says this whitch implies that he doesn't think he's a hog anymore and he might just die a man.
-Jefferson seems to think poor people suffer much more than the rich. I think this is because he has been working his whole life to earn a living, while watching the whites sit around and have money seemingly come to them like magic. " it look like the lord just work for wite folks cause ever sens i wasn nothin but a litle boy i been on my on haulin water to the fiel on that ol water cart wit all them dime bukets.." (Gaines 227)
- I do believe that Jefferson's diary shows the progress that Grant has had with him. The diary was a very useful place for Jefferson to vent his ideas and feelings in a meaningful way. I think that writing all of these things down forced Jefferson to realize that he can't remain in such a depressed way for the rest of his time. It made him realize what and who was important in his life, such as his nanan, and so he had to make things right before he left.
- Jefferson wanted Paul to be there for the execution because he felt a certain kind of bond with him. It seemed that Paul was very nice to Jefferson, actually taking consideration for his wants and feelings in his last days. " He told Paul to be sure that Mr. Henri got the pocket knife and the little gold chain. Paul said he would see to that." (Gaines 245) While Paul took Jefferson's feelings into consideration, other workers at the jail could have simply turned him down without a second thought.
- I think that Jefferson is ready for his execution because he truly believes that it is his time to go. Instead of resenting what is inevitably going to happen, Jefferson accepted the truth and did what he had to do.
(Chapters 21-23 Blog Makeup) I think Grant is begginning to make a lot of progress with Jefferson in these chapters. Grant got Jefferson a radio that he loves and doesn't want to leave it anywhere. He got Jefferson to agree to writing his thoughts, comments, and questions for Grant in a notebook. He's begginning to eat more of their food and talk to Jefferson more without calling himself a hog. These chapters are deffinatly the start of a turn for Jefferson.
Summary #19 Grant is angry because he wants to help jefferson and but he doesn't know how and it angers him. It's hard for grant to see change because no one around him seems to change, they do the same Christmas play every year and sing the same songs every year and this depresses grant.Reverend Ambros's prayer irratates grant because the reverend says basically you can't be happy unless you have God.
#20 Jefferson finds out his court date and it makes him think a lot. he wonders how one man can sentence another to death. I think this really makes Jefferson think about his time left and just life in general.Grant I think feels like he has too much of burdon pushed upon him. he is supposed to be the one to change Jefferson and to make this while trial worth something and he doesn't believe he can do it.
(Chapters 28 Makeup) In this chapter Grant looks at Jeffersons notebook, and is suprised to find out that he wrote a lot in it. He wrote about what he thinks about when hes in jail and how he is constantly thinking about the death chair and that door. He talks about dying, heaven, god, and the difference between men and hogs. He changed by saying he only wants a little bit of ice cream and a mean from his nanana. "How will the execution feel" Jefferson said this to Grant and it was hard for Grant to answer that. Jefferson seems like he's ready to be a man during his execution and stand tall for his nanana.
Why do you think Grant has recently taken a new outlook on life?
ReplyDeleteDo you think there is a reason that we haven't been introduced to Vivian's children as of yet? Could it relate to Grant's place in Vivian's life?
ReplyDelete@Kristna G. I think there's a specific reason why we haven't been introduced to her children. maybe it's because we're not supposed to know Vivian's character like that, and we never hear about Vivian's children because they have no effect on the novel. Or maybe the children have a very specific purpose in the story that we have yet to be introduced too.
ReplyDelete@musicfanatic589
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure grant has taken a new outlook on life completely, I think grant feels humiliated by the the people in Jeffersons cell and is determined to prove them wrong. He wants people to know that he himself is not a hog nor is jefferson.
1. I think Grant has recently taken a new outlook on life because Vivian is really counting on him to help Jefferson become a man, she thinks it will help him clear his mind to think about what he wants. Vivian wants him to realize what real commitment is, and it's not as easy as Grant thinks it is.
ReplyDelete2. I think we haven't been introduced to Vivian's children yet, because i feel like there is going to be a big twist involving them that might hurt their relatinship. It is kind of strange how we weren't introduced to them already.
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. Why do you think Grant dedicated the christmas play after Jefferson?
ReplyDelete2. When Grant finds out the day Jefferson is being executed why do you think he reacts the way he did?
i believe that Grant dedicated the christmas play after Jefferson because Jefferson could definitely use all of the prayers he could get. "This hog know. Fattening up for Christmas. Kill him at Christmastime." (Gaines 140). It is obvious that Jefferson still does not have much hope left in his life. Grant knew that more people would come to the ceremony if there was a sole purpose besides the fact that it was Christmas. Even though the community knows that they can't do much about this whole situation, getting together and praying as a whole is the least they can do.
ReplyDelete" And on Friday too. Always on Friday. Same time as He died, between twelve and three. But they can't take this one's life too soon after the recognition of His death, because it might upset the sensitive few. It can happen less than two weeks later, though, because even the sensitive few will have forgotten about their Savior's death by then." (Gaines 158). I think Grant acts the way he does when finding out about Jefferson's date because, he doesn't think it is right. He doesn't think that any man, besides God, has the right to take another man's life.
ReplyDeleteDo you think that Jefferson could be the hero that Grant speaks of, even with the amount of time that he has, coming to an end?
ReplyDeleteWhy do you think there are so many references towards God and religion in this story? Is it revealing that having faith in God will bring about life changing miracles?
ReplyDelete1. Yes, i think Jefferson could be a hero that Grant speaks of because he has the potential of being a hero by having the capability to make Miss Emma and his loved ones proud, and die like a man. "The white people out there are saying that you dont have it- that you're a hog, not a man. But i know they are wrong. You have the potentials. We all have, no matter who we are." Just by proving those other men wrong, and making Jefferson's loved ones happy he can be a hero, and i think Jefferson has already made progress already, and can be a hero to his loved ones.
ReplyDelete2. I think religion is a big part of these characters lives, and they believe god is the savior. As the Reverand said Jefferson should not have that sin box in the cell with him, and that he should have god. They believe that everybody needs god to be saved. Yes this book reveals that some of the characters believe that having faith in god can change you and save you. Miss emma believs that god can change Jefferson, and help him become a man.
1. I think Grant definitely believes that jefferson can be a hero before he dies. Grant tells Jefferson "that a hero does something other men do not do or cannot do." jefferson is already going to die so Grant is suggesting that he has the power to represent all black people and stand up to the white people who look down on them.
ReplyDelete2. I think the references to God and religion have a symbol meaning towards jefferson. Jefferson could represent a christ like figure because he is in a position where he can represent change and make an impact. Ambros seems to think that the only way to go out with a feeling of self worth would be to accept God, while Grant seems to believe that Jefferson just needs to stand up to his people and go out with honor.
Why do you think Grant is trying to help Jefferson when all he cares about is himself?
ReplyDeleteWhy does Grant keep saying he doesn't owe anyone anything? Why do you think he's being selfish?
i believe that Grant is trying to help Jefferson for truly sympathetic reasons. At first, Grant was only going to see Jefferson because his reputation depended on it, and his family was pushing him to do so. He wanted to back out, because he felt that this boy could never become a man. But as the weeks went by, Grant became more attached to Jefferson, and this obligation turned into something he actually wanted to do. "Do you like fruit, Jefferson? I can pick up some fruit-and some pecans. Ice cream? Funny books? Things like that." (Gaines170). Grant shows a true interest in Jefferson, in trying to make him happy. I think that Jefferson has gave Grant something to believe in, something to try for. Grant has changed a lot since the beginning of the book, in this way.
ReplyDeleteThis question somewhat contradicts the first one. I think that Grant goes back and forth with his feelings sometimes. He wants things to go his way, for all the time in the past that it hasn't. Grant is just trying to fulfill his dreams that he's always had, but never been able to achieve. He's being selfish because right now he really wants to live life for himself, but he wants to share it with his girlfriend; who can't necessarily leave at the drop of a dime. All of these little things, that he has planned out, and are not really going his way, in turn make him upset.
ReplyDelete1. I believe that Grant feels that he has to help Jefferson for a number of different reasons, I think grant knows that if he doesn't continue to see Jefferson Vivian will be upset with him. I also believe that grant wants to prove that Jefferson isn't a hog and he doesn't want Jefferson to die and be labeled as a hog just like all the people he grew up with.
ReplyDelete#29 Questions:
ReplyDelete1. Why does Jefferson seem to think poor people suffer so much more than the rich?
2. Does the information Jefferson writes in his diary imply that Jefferson is making progress with grant or no?
1)Jefferson think's that rich people get what they want and if poor people want something they have to work for it and earn it. There is so many things that jefferson wished he could have done or had before he died that rich people can do all the time.
ReplyDelete2) This information does imply that Jefferson is making a progress because he admits to caring and loving Miss Emma, and he ask's for Miss Emma's food and is writing things down. "i cry cause you been so good to me mr wigin an nobody aint never been that good to me an make me think im somebody"(Page 232) Jefferson says this whitch implies that he doesn't think he's a hog anymore and he might just die a man.
1)It seems that Jefferson really wants Paul to be there for his execution..why?
ReplyDelete2)Why do you think Jefferson is ready for his execution?
#29 answers
ReplyDelete-Jefferson seems to think poor people suffer much more than the rich. I think this is because he has been working his whole life to earn a living, while watching the whites sit around and have money seemingly come to them like magic. " it look like the lord just work for wite folks cause ever sens i wasn nothin but a litle boy i been on my on haulin water to the fiel on that ol water cart wit all them dime bukets.." (Gaines 227)
- I do believe that Jefferson's diary shows the progress that Grant has had with him. The diary was a very useful place for Jefferson to vent his ideas and feelings in a meaningful way. I think that writing all of these things down forced Jefferson to realize that he can't remain in such a depressed way for the rest of his time. It made him realize what and who was important in his life, such as his nanan, and so he had to make things right before he left.
@Jessica Bruno
ReplyDelete- Jefferson wanted Paul to be there for the execution because he felt a certain kind of bond with him. It seemed that Paul was very nice to Jefferson, actually taking consideration for his wants and feelings in his last days. " He told Paul to be sure that Mr. Henri got the pocket knife and the little gold chain. Paul said he would see to that." (Gaines 245) While Paul took Jefferson's feelings into consideration, other workers at the jail could have simply turned him down without a second thought.
- I think that Jefferson is ready for his execution because he truly believes that it is his time to go. Instead of resenting what is inevitably going to happen, Jefferson accepted the truth and did what he had to do.
(Chapters 21-23 Blog Makeup)
ReplyDeleteI think Grant is begginning to make a lot of progress with Jefferson in these chapters. Grant got Jefferson a radio that he loves and doesn't want to leave it anywhere. He got Jefferson to agree to writing his thoughts, comments, and questions for Grant in a notebook. He's begginning to eat more of their food and talk to Jefferson more without calling himself a hog. These chapters are deffinatly the start of a turn for Jefferson.
Summary #19 Grant is angry because he wants to help jefferson and but he doesn't know how and it angers him. It's hard for grant to see change because no one around him seems to change, they do the same Christmas play every year and sing the same songs every year and this depresses grant.Reverend Ambros's prayer irratates grant because the reverend says basically you can't be happy unless you have God.
ReplyDelete#20
Jefferson finds out his court date and it makes him think a lot. he wonders how one man can sentence another to death. I think this really makes Jefferson think about his time left and just life in general.Grant I think feels like he has too much of burdon pushed upon him. he is supposed to be the one to change Jefferson and to make this while trial worth something and he doesn't believe he can do it.
(Chapters 28 Makeup)
ReplyDeleteIn this chapter Grant looks at Jeffersons notebook, and is suprised to find out that he wrote a lot in it. He wrote about what he thinks about when hes in jail and how he is constantly thinking about the death chair and that door. He talks about dying, heaven, god, and the difference between men and hogs. He changed by saying he only wants a little bit of ice cream and a mean from his nanana. "How will the execution feel" Jefferson said this to Grant and it was hard for Grant to answer that. Jefferson seems like he's ready to be a man during his execution and stand tall for his nanana.