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.
well i believe that jefferson started to think that he needs grant when grant said that he wasnt asked to be born, and that he was forced to come speak to him, and the fact vivian is urging him on (pg 130). even though grant is getting closer to jefferson, he still has a big barrier to get over to completly get to jefferson's head. Grant had a choice to lie to miss emma and not have her figure out about what really happened with the talk, and still have her sane enough not to die, or to tell the truth and let her heart break and die. i believe that he did the right thing in lying to her, in order to postpone her torment, and make it sweeter than it really was.he tried to help her deal with thte pain, but he is not a superman like everyone wants him to be.
why did you do it in caps? it feels like your yelling at us. ok so, in chapter 19, is it possible that mose ambrose, the preacher, not liking grant that much? and is grant trying to leave the town metaphorically when he walks down by the beach after the discussion at henry pichot's house?
For question 1) On page 154, it says that Reverend Ambrose has nothing to talk about with Grant. This does not mean he does not like Grant, it only means that he doesn't know what else to talk about. Also on page 158, Ambrose asks if Grant wants a ride back to town. If the Reverand did not like Grant, I don't believe he would have gave Grant the opportunity to get a ride.
For question 2) On page 159, it says that he wanted to see nothing for miles and miles. I believe this means that he wants to clear his head of what was just discussed (the execution date for Jeffereson).
well, she said that she was praying for both of them. and the second one is that i think he did because hes talkin to him more, with the radio is a big improvement.
ok, my turn. jefferson and grant have become friends closer than before, and while grant is taking his walk with jefferson around the dayroom, he mentions the art of making the slingshot done froma driftwood.he says jefferson is this slingshot. the precursor of the slingshot was a simple rock thrower, like the one David used against the Goliath. is it possible that the author was connecting to this? second question, grant is being happier that he has made progress with jefferson, but why does it seem that Grant cant help jefferson see pass himself? is there another reason to why jefferson is being stubborn other than death?
Summary of Martin's answers: I agree with Martin's answers, he said that Jefferson opened up to Grant because Grant talked more to him. I believe that by Grant talking to Jefferson, Jefferson believes now that Grant is not the enemy, but a friend.
Answers: 1) I believe that the author was connecting David and Goliath to Jefferson. The author wanted to show that David beating Golaith was an impossible act, as well as Grant helping to change Jefferson's thinkng from being a hog, to a man. (Page 190-194).
2) I believe that Jefferson can't see past himself and is being stubborn because his nannan, Miss Emma, did not stand up for him in the courtroom saying that he is not a hog. Also, she never said that he wasnt a hog, only Grant told Jefferson that he is not a hog. This shows that he is angry at he as well.
I believe is could be both reasons for him crying. He just realized that people care for him. Also, he is going to die, and to him, it is finally becoming a reality.
1) Why is Sheriff Guidry nervous about the execution, since he is not the one about to die? and 2) Why did Grant refuse to go to the execution of Jefferson?
1)he cant look into his wifes eyes, therefore signifying shame,238,and he is probably realizing it that he is killing an innocent victim, because jeffereson is acting very humane about dying. 2)he cannot bear to look at him die, because most likely he wood break down and cry, and it shows people that jefferson HIMSELF has overcome the aspect of dying and shows people that he is a human, not a hog like people claim.
I don't believe the reason he is nervous is because he realized Jefferson is innocent. I believe the Sheriff believes he is guilty, but he got to know Jefferson and feels bad about killing someone he knows. I agree that Grant just can't watch Jefferson die, but I also believe that Jefferson would have wanted Grant there at the execution.
Chapter 28 1) Do you believe that Grant wants to someday believe? (like he says), or does he just want Jeffereson to believe for the sake of his Nannon and the Reverend? 2) Why do you think they emphasize at the end of the chapter that Jefferson stood tall?
okay so i dont really know how to reply to each blog seperately so im just going to anwer all the questions in this one reply...
March 15th- I think that Grant finally realizes that Jefferson needs him when he goes to the jail and sees Jefferson really upset and saying he is a hog and that hogs eat off the floor. (pg.122) I think that even though lying is dishonest, after all that Grant has seen and heard between Jefferson, his aunt, and Miss Emma, that lying to Miss Emma was not the worst thing he could have done. It is good that he still goes up to the jail like promised to visit.
March 17th&18th- Martin, I think you are right when you say that i when Grant is walking down the beach after being really frustrated for waiting and not getting a good response from Henri Pichot and wanting to just leave with Vivian, that it is metaphorically representing that he his leaving town. Also, in Chapter 19 on pg. 147 when Grant is being sarcastic "using one of Reverend Ambrose's words", it shows how they are starting to dislike each other a little.
March 21st, 23rd&24th- Vivian told Miss Emma that she was praying for both Jefferson and MIss Emma, and that made Miss Emma happy especially since Grant really is not into God and now he is with a women who is. I think that Jefferson is opening up more to Grant because yeah, he bought him the radio, but also because Grant has been coming there everyday and he has not given up no matter what kind of mood Jefferson is in. I think Jefferson finally started to realize that Grant started to care more and so Jefferson wants to speak to him now. On pg. 174 it shows that Grant is starting to care more because even though he had to put up with the snobby white women in the store he waited there to buy Jefferson's radio with the borrowed money from Thelma. Martin, I think you are right about the David and Goliath symbolism, because like Jared said, of the fact that Grant is making him realize he is a man not a hog, like on pg. 191 "Those out there are no better than we are, Jefferson."
March 25th&April 6th- Vivian is no angry at Grant because he wouldn't stop fighting when he was in the fight with the tall man with the cowboy hat, and the fat short man with the baseball cap. (pgs. 199-203). I think Reverend Ambrose told Grant to lie to Jefferson even though lying is a sin because Reverend Ambrose wants to save Jefferson's soul as much a s possible before he dies. For Martin's questions, i agree with Jared. I think that Jefferson broke down and cried because he finally realizes that his time is almost up and he is actually going to be put to death, and now that it is so close he realizes how much people care for him like Miss Emma and I think he is regretting not being able to spend quality time with her.
April 7th- I think Sheriff Guidry is nervous because after all the visits and time spent dealing with Jefferson, he made an affect on the Sheriff, and he feels bad about taking his life knowing the hurt it is going to cause MIss Emma and after all the things Miss Emma did while he was in jail, opened the Sheriff's eyes. I think Grant refused to go to the execution because he could not bring himself to see a man who he spent so much time and effort on being put to death knowing he is innocent and now a good friend of Grant's.
April 11th- I believe that Grant wants to someday believe after this whole experience he went through. It was a tough journey on everyone's part but especially Grant's. He was faced with an almost impossible challenge that at first he wanted nothing to do with. Despite his lack of desire to go and how hard it was seeing Jefferson in this condition, Grant was able to really connect with Jefferson and i think that changed his views of God. I think that they emphasized that Jefferson stood tall because they wanted to show that Grant had accomplished his task and that even though it was a horrible situation, Jefferson died with more dignity than he had to start off with.
why is vivian angry at grant-she is angry because he cant control his emotions (206)and he wouldnt stop fighting, even though grAnt thought it was the right thing to do,and this created more problems with their current situation, the fact that vivian cant be known to love grant, and this fight has brought their relationship to the light of other people. 2)reverand ambrose wants grant to lie because reverand ambrose knows that it relives pressure, and he wants grant to relieve pressure for both jefferson and miss emma. i think that grant does want to belive someday, but that day wont come 'til he has recieved the bigger picture of what is going on in life. i think grant wants to know what is going to happen to him in his life, and once he knows i believe he will start to believe. the author emphasized the fact that jefferson stood tall because that was the whole point in getting grant to help jefferson become a man. this emphasis is also showing that grant has done a great job in teaching jefferson that he is an example that most people will remember him by, his death will not be forgotten is what im trying to say.
How does Grant come to the conclusion that he believes that Jefferson needs Grant?
ReplyDeleteDo you think that Grant is a good or a bad person for lying to Miss Emma?
ReplyDeletewell i believe that jefferson started to think that he needs grant when grant said that he wasnt asked to be born, and that he was forced to come speak to him, and the fact vivian is urging him on (pg 130). even though grant is getting closer to jefferson, he still has a big barrier to get over to completly get to jefferson's head.
ReplyDeleteGrant had a choice to lie to miss emma and not have her figure out about what really happened with the talk, and still have her sane enough not to die, or to tell the truth and let her heart break and die. i believe that he did the right thing in lying to her, in order to postpone her torment, and make it sweeter than it really was.he tried to help her deal with thte pain, but he is not a superman like everyone wants him to be.
why did you do it in caps? it feels like your yelling at us. ok so, in chapter 19, is it possible that mose ambrose, the preacher, not liking grant that much? and is grant trying to leave the town metaphorically when he walks down by the beach after the discussion at henry pichot's house?
ReplyDeleteFor question 1)
ReplyDeleteOn page 154, it says that Reverend Ambrose has nothing to talk about with Grant. This does not mean he does not like Grant, it only means that he doesn't know what else to talk about. Also on page 158, Ambrose asks if Grant wants a ride back to town. If the Reverand did not like Grant, I don't believe he would have gave Grant the opportunity to get a ride.
For question 2)
ReplyDeleteOn page 159, it says that he wanted to see nothing for miles and miles. I believe this means that he wants to clear his head of what was just discussed (the execution date for Jeffereson).
What do you think Vivian said to Miss Emmma that made her a little happy?
ReplyDeleteWhy do you think Jefferson opened up to Grant?
ReplyDeletewell, she said that she was praying for both of them. and the second one is that i think he did because hes talkin to him more, with the radio is a big improvement.
ReplyDeleteok, my turn. jefferson and grant have become friends closer than before, and while grant is taking his walk with jefferson around the dayroom, he mentions the art of making the slingshot done froma driftwood.he says jefferson is this slingshot. the precursor of the slingshot was a simple rock thrower, like the one David used against the Goliath. is it possible that the author was connecting to this?
ReplyDeletesecond question, grant is being happier that he has made progress with jefferson, but why does it seem that Grant cant help jefferson see pass himself? is there another reason to why jefferson is being stubborn other than death?
Summary of Martin's answers:
ReplyDeleteI agree with Martin's answers, he said that Jefferson opened up to Grant because Grant talked more to him. I believe that by Grant talking to Jefferson, Jefferson believes now that Grant is not the enemy, but a friend.
Answers:
ReplyDelete1) I believe that the author was connecting David and Goliath to Jefferson. The author wanted to show that David beating Golaith was an impossible act, as well as Grant helping to change Jefferson's thinkng from being a hog, to a man. (Page 190-194).
2) I believe that Jefferson can't see past himself and is being stubborn because his nannan, Miss Emma, did not stand up for him in the courtroom saying that he is not a hog. Also, she never said that he wasnt a hog, only Grant told Jefferson that he is not a hog. This shows that he is angry at he as well.
ReplyDeleteQuestions:
ReplyDelete1) Why do you think Vivian is so angry at Grant?
2) If lying is a sin, why would Reverend Ambrose tell Grant to lie to Jefferson?
what do you think that affected Jefferson to break down and cry? was it the children and people visiting him or the fact he dies?
ReplyDeleteI believe is could be both reasons for him crying. He just realized that people care for him. Also, he is going to die, and to him, it is finally becoming a reality.
ReplyDelete1) Why is Sheriff Guidry nervous about the execution, since he is not the one about to die?
ReplyDeleteand
2) Why did Grant refuse to go to the execution of Jefferson?
1)he cant look into his wifes eyes, therefore signifying shame,238,and he is probably realizing it that he is killing an innocent victim, because jeffereson is acting very humane about dying.
ReplyDelete2)he cannot bear to look at him die, because most likely he wood break down and cry, and it shows people that jefferson HIMSELF has overcome the aspect of dying and shows people that he is a human, not a hog like people claim.
I don't believe the reason he is nervous is because he realized Jefferson is innocent. I believe the Sheriff believes he is guilty, but he got to know Jefferson and feels bad about killing someone he knows.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Grant just can't watch Jefferson die, but I also believe that Jefferson would have wanted Grant there at the execution.
Chapter 28
ReplyDelete1) Do you believe that Grant wants to someday believe? (like he says), or does he just want Jeffereson to believe for the sake of his Nannon and the Reverend?
2) Why do you think they emphasize at the end of the chapter that Jefferson stood tall?
okay so i dont really know how to reply to each blog seperately so im just going to anwer all the questions in this one reply...
ReplyDeleteMarch 15th- I think that Grant finally realizes that Jefferson needs him when he goes to the jail and sees Jefferson really upset and saying he is a hog and that hogs eat off the floor. (pg.122) I think that even though lying is dishonest, after all that Grant has seen and heard between Jefferson, his aunt, and Miss Emma, that lying to Miss Emma was not the worst thing he could have done. It is good that he still goes up to the jail like promised to visit.
March 17th&18th- Martin, I think you are right when you say that i when Grant is walking down the beach after being really frustrated for waiting and not getting a good response from Henri Pichot and wanting to just leave with Vivian, that it is metaphorically representing that he his leaving town. Also, in Chapter 19 on pg. 147 when Grant is being sarcastic "using one of Reverend Ambrose's words", it shows how they are starting to dislike each other a little.
March 21st, 23rd&24th- Vivian told Miss Emma that she was praying for both Jefferson and MIss Emma, and that made Miss Emma happy especially since Grant really is not into God and now he is with a women who is. I think that Jefferson is opening up more to Grant because yeah, he bought him the radio, but also because Grant has been coming there everyday and he has not given up no matter what kind of mood Jefferson is in. I think Jefferson finally started to realize that Grant started to care more and so Jefferson wants to speak to him now. On pg. 174 it shows that Grant is starting to care more because even though he had to put up with the snobby white women in the store he waited there to buy Jefferson's radio with the borrowed money from Thelma. Martin, I think you are right about the David and Goliath symbolism, because like Jared said, of the fact that Grant is making him realize he is a man not a hog, like on pg. 191 "Those out there are no better than we are, Jefferson."
March 25th&April 6th- Vivian is no angry at Grant because he wouldn't stop fighting when he was in the fight with the tall man with the cowboy hat, and the fat short man with the baseball cap. (pgs. 199-203). I think Reverend Ambrose told Grant to lie to Jefferson even though lying is a sin because Reverend Ambrose wants to save Jefferson's soul as much a s possible before he dies. For Martin's questions, i agree with Jared. I think that Jefferson broke down and cried because he finally realizes that his time is almost up and he is actually going to be put to death, and now that it is so close he realizes how much people care for him like Miss Emma and I think he is regretting not being able to spend quality time with her.
April 7th- I think Sheriff Guidry is nervous because after all the visits and time spent dealing with Jefferson, he made an affect on the Sheriff, and he feels bad about taking his life knowing the hurt it is going to cause MIss Emma and after all the things Miss Emma did while he was in jail, opened the Sheriff's eyes. I think Grant refused to go to the execution because he could not bring himself to see a man who he spent so much time and effort on being put to death knowing he is innocent and now a good friend of Grant's.
April 11th- I believe that Grant wants to someday believe after this whole experience he went through. It was a tough journey on everyone's part but especially Grant's. He was faced with an almost impossible challenge that at first he wanted nothing to do with. Despite his lack of desire to go and how hard it was seeing Jefferson in this condition, Grant was able to really connect with Jefferson and i think that changed his views of God. I think that they emphasized that Jefferson stood tall because they wanted to show that Grant had accomplished his task and that even though it was a horrible situation, Jefferson died with more dignity than he had to start off with.
why is vivian angry at grant-she is angry because he cant control his emotions (206)and he wouldnt stop fighting, even though grAnt thought it was the right thing to do,and this created more problems with their current situation, the fact that vivian cant be known to love grant, and this fight has brought their relationship to the light of other people.
ReplyDelete2)reverand ambrose wants grant to lie because reverand ambrose knows that it relives pressure, and he wants grant to relieve pressure for both jefferson and miss emma.
i think that grant does want to belive someday, but that day wont come 'til he has recieved the bigger picture of what is going on in life. i think grant wants to know what is going to happen to him in his life, and once he knows i believe he will start to believe.
the author emphasized the fact that jefferson stood tall because that was the whole point in getting grant to help jefferson become a man. this emphasis is also showing that grant has done a great job in teaching jefferson that he is an example that most people will remember him by, his death will not be forgotten is what im trying to say.