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.
wait huhh? i thought i was the facilitator for this one?
1) Which way do you think Grant is being "pulled" to more: believing that there is no possible way for him to help Jefferson (& giving up on him)? OR persisting in trying to help Jefferson and determining a way to reach him somehow?; What makes you think this?
2) If Grant decides to continue in trying to help Jefferson, do you believe that Grant will be able to change Jefferson at all? How far do you think Grant will have to go to change Jefferson's perspective on dying [as "a man" rather than "a hog"]?
I think that Grant should keep trying to make Jefferson feel better, but at the same time, being doing that would be worthless because Jefferson was already sentenced and they were just waiting for the date of the execution which the governor have to set. “The judge told Jefferson that he had been found guilty of the charges brought against him, and that judge saw no reason that he should not pay for the part he played in this horrible crime” “Death by electrocution”.(pg.9) Grant is frustrated because of the way he lives, but also he is tired of what he does to live and what surround him. This would not be a prospective person to change other people’s mind for what I think he shouldn’t continue trying to help Jefferson even knowing that he is being push by his aunt (pg.11). I don’t know how far he would have to go to try to change Jefferson, but in my opinion, there’s not much he can do for him because Jefferson gave up to his condition of a hog as far that he is being ungrateful to his grandma in the whole meaning of the word of everything she does for him….(pg.121-122)
1) I think that Grant wants to help Jefferson, but dosen't think Jefferson will help himself because he dosen't think anything of himself. On pages 121&122, Miss Emma feeds Jefferson, and even though Miss Emma continiously tells him otherwise, Jefferson thinks he is a hog with no meaning in life, and should just wither away and die.
2) If Jefferson dosen't have the will to change, then there is no way that anyone else will change him. On page 128&129, Jefferson and Grant are having a conversation in Jefferson's cell. Grant tries to convince Jefferson to change, but Jefferson refuses because he sees no point in change because he will be dead soon anyways.
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.
Yeaa sorry about that, I got everything messed up.
1) I feel like yes Grant wants to help out Jefferson but he doesn't believe that he has a chance in doing so. Eventually I think that Grant will find a way to help out Jefferson just by the learning what he did in his journey to help Jefferson.
2) Honestly I feel that this lesson before dying isn't necessarily for Jefferson but more for Grant. Although I do believe that Grant will end up helping out Jefferson in his journey to become a man. Grant helping out Jefferson depends on how much Grant learns in the process of helping Jefferson.
1) They're relationship is unhealthy because Vivian, due mostly to her children, dosen't want to leave everything and go with Grant. On page 29, Grant is trying to convince Vivian about leaving and vivian says, "Because the whole thing is just too crazy.""people do it all the time. Just pack up and leave.""Some people can, but we can't." 2) Vivian had an impact in getting Grant to go help Jefferson in the first place. Although he was forced, on page 32 he had second thoughts about going but Vivan said, "I want you to go up there." refering to the jail where Jefferson is, because she felt strongly about this, he changed his mind about not going.
In my opinion, their relationship is not healthy because Vivian always comes up with excuses in order to not leave with Grant. For example in page 29, Grant explain Vivian why he wants to leave saying “I need to someplace where I can feel I’m alive”, “I don’t want to spend my life teaching in a plantation church, somewhere where we can have choices of things to do”. But instead, Vivian answer him with excuse of “I’m still married”,””a separation is not a divorce, I can’t go anywhere until all of this is over”. In my opinion, that statement put a lot in doubt about Vivian’s feelings toward Grant. In addition, Grant shows how much Vivian means to him, telling her that no matter what, he will take care of Vivian after her divorce (page29-31). But I still not sure if there are any kind of healthiness in this relationship because it is based on doubt and insecurity that later might affect the relation as a couple. About the second question, I don’t think that Vivian has no power to change Grants decision in visiting Jefferson in jail because in page 32, he told Vivian that “I can’t take this situation “because I think first I didn’t know what exactly he was doing, and also I think that he think it would be useless try to change Jefferson’s mind when they all know what was going to happen at the end.
In my opinion, the radio cheer him up because it might be something that he wanted and didn't had before because whateve reason. After he receive this gift, Jefferson started to give some relevant steps of recover even heading foward to desires like when he ask Grant for the ice cream demostrating humanity to Grant.
With these gifts, Grant made great advances with Jefferson's personality telling him that he is not a hog and explaning him the meaning of a friend and hero. I think that Grant think that working with a background, he will reach Jefferson and change his personality.
Just summarizing what you two said Grant and Vivian's relationship isn't healthy because Vivian always comes up with excuses to leave Grant. Also when Grant comes up with the plan to leave and make a new life together, Vivian turns him down. And as far as Vivian influencing Grant with him helping Jefferson thees a dispute. There are examples in the reading that help Grant in some way, but the general assumption is that Vivian won't really have any effect on Grant.
1) I believe the radio is some kind of a get away for Jefferson. It seems to cheer him up because when he listens to it its not about pleasing others or working for others, its all about pleasing himself. I guess you can say its almost selfish of Jefferson to do this but he believes that he doesn't owe anything to anyone. On Page 186, Grant asks Jefferson "You like that Country stuff, huh?" and Jefferson answers "It don't matter". Jefferson doesn't really seem like he listening to the radio he only seems to be using it as a get-away. 2) I believe that Grant actually feels like he's getting through to Jefferson and that hes actually might be able to help him. All through chapter 23 Grant seems to actually make progress with Jefferson. Jefferson is actually talking to him and telling him what he wants such as ice cream as his last meal, and a radio. Jefferson is opening up to Grant and telling him what he's truly feeling.
Summary of responses to my questions: 1) Grant wants to try to help Jefferson; however, he does not think that he will be able to do so because Jefferson does not have the desire, and or self-motivation to change his perspective from being a “hog” to being a “man”.
2) Because Jefferson has given up all hope on himself, Grant will have a very difficult time trying to change him. Changing Jefferson’s perspective on dying will depend on how much Grant learns as he continues his attempt in helping Jefferson.
Response to Matt's questions: 1) I don’t think their relationship is healthy because Grant is trying to run away from commitment, when commitment is really all that he and Vivian know. Vivian has a strong commitment to her children and her job; Grant has a commitment to his job, and he also has one to Vivian. Vivian is the main reason why Grant won’t leave: however, this doesn’t seem too healthy. On the bottom of page 29, Grant says to Vivian “I need to go someplace……” —(until)—“Because of you.”
2) I do think Vivian will have some kind of an effect with Grant’s decision on helping Jefferson, because Vivian means everything to Grant. He cares for her so much, and I think that any say she has on Jefferson’s situation will be of value to Grant. On the top of page 32, Vivian says, “I want you to go up there,” –(until)—“for us, Grant.”
Response to Russel's questions: 1) I agree with Matt in the way that the radio symbolizes some kind of a “get-away” for Jefferson. It seems like it gets his mind away from the bigger issues at hand, and it’s just there for pure enjoyment. To add, the radio seems to make him at ease. I noticed that since he’s been listening to it, he rarely defines himself as a hog. Although Jefferson doesn’t seem to have made a ton of progress in “feeling like a man”, I do believe that the radio has helped him to make some progress because he has calmed down a lot and is mellower with his responses. For example, on page 184, Grant asks Jefferson how the radio is and Jefferson replies by saying “all right.” Grant then asks, “Did you get Randy over the weekend?” and Jefferson says, “Yeah, I caught him.” In my opinion, Jefferson could have easily told Grant that “hogs don’t listen to the radio”, but he didn’t do that. I think that he’s beginning to realize that people (Grant, in particular) really do care for him. Also, I feel that the radio symbolizes a sense of understanding from Grant to Jefferson, since Jefferson won’t really accept Miss Emma’s food, but he accepts the radio from Grant. He tells Grant that he wants a gallon of ice-cream—food! YET, he still denies Miss Emma’s food. This leads me to believe that Jefferson feels that Grant understands him more, rather than feels bad for him (as Jefferson may think that that’s the way Miss Emma feels about him).
2) I do believe that Grant is starting to feel like he can help Jefferson, because Jefferson is more comfortable talking about things that are for humans (not hogs), like the ice cream and the radio, which he would like to have. I think that Grant is seeing some progress with Jefferson after they talk about the whole gallon of ice-cream that Jefferson would like to eat as his last supper. On page 170-171, Gaines writes, “He (Jefferson) smiled. He smiled now because…..–(until)—… and he would save it until the very last moment.” This proves that Jefferson wants to be happy before his execution- rather than negative, feeling like a hog.
In my opinion they both changed in some way by their own. In addition at the end, Jefferson and Grant changed their attitude from being tough and careless to be more willing to think about their way to live and act. But for everything, in think that Grant changed more that anyone else in the story because dealing with Jefferson gave him a new perspective of live and also the need of God in our daily life. “After the students and me had recited their bible’s verses, there would be no recess period for them today, and that I would let them go home for dinner at eleven o’ clock because I wanted them all back at the school no later than a quarter to twelve and ask them to stay on their knees”( page. 247) At the beginning of the story, Grant didn’t believe on God for any unreasoned reason, but now, but push his students to stay with him until the execution was over. It maybe was for another reason, but the fact that he pray with them gives another meaning to Grant’s attitude toward religion and willingness to open an space in himself to help others and make their last hours the best ones.
1) I think that there was more of a transformation for Grant rather than Jefferson. In the beginning of the story Grant had no idea how to help Jefferson let alone help himself with his own problems. Grant changed in many ways throughout the story, for one he has somewhat of an idea on how he supposed to help his town. At one point of the story he was told the only way he'd be able to help Jefferson was to lie to him and tell him that he was going to heaven. He sort of found some answers that weren't that direct but defiantly helped Jefferson out. 2)I think the reasoning for Grant not going to Jefferson's execution because Jefferson become something more that just a job that he was given. It wasn't just about helping Jefferson out anymore, Jefferson became a friend to Grant.
ch. 24 & 25 On pages 190-193, Grant takes Jefferson for a walk. Jefferson doesn’t speak much, as Grant is doing most of the talking. I think this part of the novel is a key example of Grant’s effort in trying to help Jefferson, because the teacher side of him really shows by some of the things that he says. Grant asks different questions and then, without waiting for a response from Jefferson, he explains the answer to his question so that Jefferson can truly understand what he means and why he is talking about it. For example, on page 191, Grant asks, “Do you know what a hero is, Jefferson?” and then he answers his own question, explaining to Jefferson what a hero is (in his opinion). On page 192, Grant asks, “Do you know what a myth is, Jefferson?”, and then Grant explains what a myth is and ties it in with the main point of the overall talk—to teach Jefferson what it means to be a man and how to become one.
Ch. 26 & 27 I found it interesting when Reverend Ambrose said to Grant, “You hear me talking. But are you listening? No, you ain’t listening.” This made me think about whom else Grant has done this to. I feel that Grant has heard Vivian talking to him before, but I’m no so sure that he was really listening to her and understanding what she was saying: “What is me?” she said. “Tell me, what is me?” “Honey—” “No, tell me,” she said. “Who am I? Who are you? Who are we? Tell me.” “All I know is I love you,” I said. “That’s not enough,” she said. “What is love?” “Honey—” “What is it?” she asked. “That bed? That’s love?” “Honey—please.” “No. Give me some answers. Give me some answers—today. Today I want answers.” “Honey, I love you.” “That’s no answer……” Vivian is trying to get somewhere with Grant in the conversation but he won’t give her any answers. Because Grant repeats himself over and over, hardly saying anything at all, this makes me believe that he wasn’t truly listening to what Vivian had to say. It seems like Grant just doesn’t want to deal with the kind of conversation that Vivian wants to have at this moment, so rather than thoroughly grasping every word that she tells him, he lets her words fly into one ear and come right out of the other.
Ch. 28 I think that at this point in the novel, we can clearly notice the gradual change that Jefferson has made in becoming a man. On page 20, when Grant asks Jefferson if he’s hungry, Jefferson says “maybe later”. On page 225, Jefferson writes “I’m go’n do my best, Mr. Wiggins. That’s all I can promise. My best.” Jefferson then. It only takes a couple of examples to prove that Jefferson has made a change. He is willing to eat food that is brought to him now, and he also promises to do his best to be a man before/at the execution.
Also, in his diary, Jefferson questions that if he is just a hog, then why isn’t anyone treating him like he’s one?
Ch. 29 This chapter was very emotional and heart wrenching. It gives evidence to Jefferson’s complete change in mindset. Throughout most of his time in jail, it seemed like Jefferson didn’t give much thought to how his nannan was feeling, as he wouldn’t think twice about eating any of her food since it was for people and not “hogs”. On page 231, Jefferson writes in his diary about how he saw Miss Emma at the table—she looked old and tired. He told her that he loved her and that he was strong, and she pulled him to her and kissed him. Jefferson let her hold him for a long time, and the told her again that he was strong and that she didn’t need to come back anymore. Jefferson declaring that he is strong proves that he has changed. Jefferson was able to become strong from Grant’s help, in my opinion. On page 232, Jefferson writes an apology to Grant for crying when Grant said that he wasn’t coming back. He writes (to Grant): “an reson i cry cause you been so good to me mr wiggin an nobody aint never been that good to me an make me think im sombody”. Grant was able to make Jefferson feel important and worthwhile by going to see him so often and talking to him. Grant’s day job may be to teach kids in a classroom, but I believe that Grant was naturally able to use those same skills (in a different way) in teaching Jefferson how to become a man.
Chapters 24+25: For another trip to the jail where Jefferson is being help, Grant goes with Miss Emma to visit Jefferson. Jefferson once again is not eating the food the Miss Emma brought for him. Grant takes Jefferson for a walk around the room and talks to him about how its too late for him to be a hero but its not too late for Jefferson. After the whole talk with Jefferson, he began to cry and then so did Grant. This is a major turning point in the book where Jefferson realizes that he needs to step up for the sake of Miss Emma and the people in his community. While Grant is at the Rainbow club, he overhears two men talking about how Jefferson should of been executed long ago. After hearing this Grant ends up fighting the two men. Here is a great point in the book where Grant actually realizes that he cares about Jefferson and he's not just another black man about to be executed.
Chapters 26+27: Grant wakes up at Vivian's house after the fight at the bar. After a whole discussion, they get into a fight in how Grant is not giving Vivian what she needs. He storms out of the house and after he stands outside the front door for a while he realizes that he all needs is Vivian and he goes crying into her lap. Reverend Ambrose talks to Grant on how he needs to talk to Jefferson about God, but Grant doesn't believe in God and he doesn't want to lie to Jefferson.
Chapter 28: Grant visits Jefferson and asks him about his last visit with Reverent Ambrose, Jefferson says that he told him to pray but Jefferson doesn't do this because hes not sure if heaven exists. Grant tells him that he should believe in something. Grant and Jefferson go further into this discussion about God and Jefferson asks Grant if he believes in God and he says he does. Grant also reads Jefferson's diary and sees that its got its first page was almost filled.
Chapter 29: This chapter is about Jefferson diary, in his diary Jefferson talks about how the whites in his life weren't exactly cruel to him, they actually show Jefferson some compassion. This chapter goes into to great detail on what Jefferson is actually feeling about not only about his execution but Jefferson's view on life.
summarizing the ans' to my Q's: 1) jefferson's radio is a major escape from his dark reality, it gives him a slice of the free world that he longs for. 2) jefferson is finally alowing grant to help him & be there for him, he is showing grant a softer, or more human side (instead of hog).
Response to Morgans Q's for 30 & 31:
1)Although grant has an additude change, Jefferson, even though he dies regardless, has a life altering change, he considers himself a person, a man even. Ever since he got the radio, he has become softer and more normal around others. 2) It's probly too painful to watch jefferson be executed, he became a friend to grant and he had said good bye to jefferson.
chap. 29 summary: This chapter is jeffersons diary witch he has written in a lot lately in the story. Jeffersons english is atrocious because of his education or lack there of. He talks about his life, and shows how he has grown up in a sense that he dosen't think he is a hog and doesen't act immature.
What do you guys think of Vivian and Grants relationship, is it healthy to live the way that they are living?
ReplyDeletewait huhh? i thought i was the facilitator for this one?
ReplyDelete1) Which way do you think Grant is being "pulled" to more: believing that there is no possible way for him to help Jefferson (& giving up on him)? OR persisting in trying to help Jefferson and determining a way to reach him somehow?; What makes you think this?
2) If Grant decides to continue in trying to help Jefferson, do you believe that Grant will be able to change Jefferson at all? How far do you think Grant will have to go to change Jefferson's perspective on dying [as "a man" rather than "a hog"]?
I think that Grant should keep trying to make Jefferson feel better, but at the same time, being doing that would be worthless because Jefferson was already sentenced and they were just waiting for the date of the execution which the governor have to set. “The judge told Jefferson that he had been found guilty of the charges brought against him, and that judge saw no reason that he should not pay for the part he played in this horrible crime” “Death by electrocution”.(pg.9) Grant is frustrated because of the way he lives, but also he is tired of what he does to live and what surround him. This would not be a prospective person to change other people’s mind for what I think he shouldn’t continue trying to help Jefferson even knowing that he is being push by his aunt (pg.11). I don’t know how far he would have to go to try to change Jefferson, but in my opinion, there’s not much he can do for him because Jefferson gave up to his condition of a hog as far that he is being ungrateful to his grandma in the whole meaning of the word of everything she does for him….(pg.121-122)
ReplyDelete1) I think that Grant wants to help Jefferson, but dosen't think Jefferson will help himself because he dosen't think anything of himself. On pages 121&122, Miss Emma feeds Jefferson, and even though Miss Emma continiously tells him otherwise, Jefferson thinks he is a hog with no meaning in life, and should just wither away and die.
ReplyDelete2) If Jefferson dosen't have the will to change, then there is no way that anyone else will change him. On page 128&129, Jefferson and Grant are having a conversation in Jefferson's cell. Grant tries to convince Jefferson to change, but Jefferson refuses because he sees no point in change because he will be dead soon anyways.
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.
ReplyDeleteYeaa sorry about that, I got everything messed up.
ReplyDelete1) I feel like yes Grant wants to help out Jefferson but he doesn't believe that he has a chance in doing so. Eventually I think that Grant will find a way to help out Jefferson just by the learning what he did in his journey to help Jefferson.
2) Honestly I feel that this lesson before dying isn't necessarily for Jefferson but more for Grant. Although I do believe that Grant will end up helping out Jefferson in his journey to become a man. Grant helping out Jefferson depends on how much Grant learns in the process of helping Jefferson.
1) Do you guys think that Vivian and Grants relationship is healthy?
ReplyDelete2) Do you think Vivian will have any effect with Grants decision on helping Jefferson
1) They're relationship is unhealthy because Vivian, due mostly to her children, dosen't want to leave everything and go with Grant. On page 29, Grant is trying to convince Vivian about leaving and vivian says, "Because the whole thing is just too crazy.""people do it all the time. Just pack up and leave.""Some people can, but we can't."
ReplyDelete2) Vivian had an impact in getting Grant to go help Jefferson in the first place. Although he was forced, on page 32 he had second thoughts about going but Vivan said, "I want you to go up there." refering to the jail where Jefferson is, because she felt strongly about this, he changed his mind about not going.
In my opinion, their relationship is not healthy because Vivian always comes up with excuses in order to not leave with Grant. For example in page 29, Grant explain Vivian why he wants to leave saying “I need to someplace where I can feel I’m alive”, “I don’t want to spend my life teaching in a plantation church, somewhere where we can have choices of things to do”. But instead, Vivian answer him with excuse of “I’m still married”,””a separation is not a divorce, I can’t go anywhere until all of this is over”. In my opinion, that statement put a lot in doubt about Vivian’s feelings toward Grant. In addition, Grant shows how much Vivian means to him, telling her that no matter what, he will take care of Vivian after her divorce (page29-31). But I still not sure if there are any kind of healthiness in this relationship because it is based on doubt and insecurity that later might affect the relation as a couple.
ReplyDeleteAbout the second question, I don’t think that Vivian has no power to change Grants decision in visiting Jefferson in jail because in page 32, he told Vivian that “I can’t take this situation “because I think first I didn’t know what exactly he was doing, and also I think that he think it would be useless try to change Jefferson’s mind when they all know what was going to happen at the end.
1) What do you think the radio symbolizes to Jefferson?
ReplyDelete2) Do you think that Grant has finally feels that he can help Jefferson?
In my opinion, the radio cheer him up because it might be something that he wanted and didn't had before because whateve reason. After he receive this gift, Jefferson started to give some relevant steps of recover even heading foward to desires like when he ask Grant for the ice cream demostrating humanity to Grant.
ReplyDeleteWith these gifts, Grant made great advances with Jefferson's personality telling him that he is not a hog and explaning him the meaning of a friend and hero. I think that Grant think that working with a background, he will reach Jefferson and change his personality.
Just summarizing what you two said
ReplyDeleteGrant and Vivian's relationship isn't healthy because Vivian always comes up with excuses to leave Grant. Also when Grant comes up with the plan to leave and make a new life together, Vivian turns him down. And as far as Vivian influencing Grant with him helping Jefferson thees a dispute. There are examples in the reading that help Grant in some way, but the general assumption is that Vivian won't really have any effect on Grant.
1) I believe the radio is some kind of a get away for Jefferson. It seems to cheer him up because when he listens to it its not about pleasing others or working for others, its all about pleasing himself. I guess you can say its almost selfish of Jefferson to do this but he believes that he doesn't owe anything to anyone. On Page 186, Grant asks Jefferson "You like that Country stuff, huh?" and Jefferson answers "It don't matter". Jefferson doesn't really seem like he listening to the radio he only seems to be using it as a get-away.
ReplyDelete2) I believe that Grant actually feels like he's getting through to Jefferson and that hes actually might be able to help him. All through chapter 23 Grant seems to actually make progress with Jefferson. Jefferson is actually talking to him and telling him what he wants such as ice cream as his last meal, and a radio. Jefferson is opening up to Grant and telling him what he's truly feeling.
Sorry guys! Here are all of my posts:
ReplyDeleteSummary of responses to my questions:
1) Grant wants to try to help Jefferson; however, he does not think that he will be able to do so because Jefferson does not have the desire, and or self-motivation to change his perspective from being a “hog” to being a “man”.
2) Because Jefferson has given up all hope on himself, Grant will have a very difficult time trying to change him. Changing Jefferson’s perspective on dying will depend on how much Grant learns as he continues his attempt in helping Jefferson.
Response to Matt's questions:
1) I don’t think their relationship is healthy because Grant is trying to run away from commitment, when commitment is really all that he and Vivian know. Vivian has a strong commitment to her children and her job; Grant has a commitment to his job, and he also has one to Vivian. Vivian is the main reason why Grant won’t leave: however, this doesn’t seem too healthy. On the bottom of page 29, Grant says to Vivian “I need to go someplace……” —(until)—“Because of you.”
2) I do think Vivian will have some kind of an effect with Grant’s decision on helping Jefferson, because Vivian means everything to Grant. He cares for her so much, and I think that any say she has on Jefferson’s situation will be of value to Grant. On the top of page 32, Vivian says, “I want you to go up there,” –(until)—“for us, Grant.”
Response to Russel's questions:
1) I agree with Matt in the way that the radio symbolizes some kind of a “get-away” for Jefferson. It seems like it gets his mind away from the bigger issues at hand, and it’s just there for pure enjoyment. To add, the radio seems to make him at ease. I noticed that since he’s been listening to it, he rarely defines himself as a hog. Although Jefferson doesn’t seem to have made a ton of progress in “feeling like a man”, I do believe that the radio has helped him to make some progress because he has calmed down a lot and is mellower with his responses. For example, on page 184, Grant asks Jefferson how the radio is and Jefferson replies by saying “all right.” Grant then asks, “Did you get Randy over the weekend?” and Jefferson says, “Yeah, I caught him.” In my opinion, Jefferson could have easily told Grant that “hogs don’t listen to the radio”, but he didn’t do that. I think that he’s beginning to realize that people (Grant, in particular) really do care for him. Also, I feel that the radio symbolizes a sense of understanding from Grant to Jefferson, since Jefferson won’t really accept Miss Emma’s food, but he accepts the radio from Grant. He tells Grant that he wants a gallon of ice-cream—food! YET, he still denies Miss Emma’s food. This leads me to believe that Jefferson feels that Grant understands him more, rather than feels bad for him (as Jefferson may think that that’s the way Miss Emma feels about him).
2) I do believe that Grant is starting to feel like he can help Jefferson, because Jefferson is more comfortable talking about things that are for humans (not hogs), like the ice cream and the radio, which he would like to have. I think that Grant is seeing some progress with Jefferson after they talk about the whole gallon of ice-cream that Jefferson would like to eat as his last supper. On page 170-171, Gaines writes, “He (Jefferson) smiled. He smiled now because…..–(until)—… and he would save it until the very last moment.” This proves that Jefferson wants to be happy before his execution- rather than negative, feeling like a hog.
for chapters 30 & 31:
ReplyDelete1) Who do you think has changed more? Grant or Jefferson?
2) Grant doesn't attend Jefferson's execution, nor does he kneel and pray with his students. Why do you think this is?
In my opinion they both changed in some way by their own. In addition at the end, Jefferson and Grant changed their attitude from being tough and careless to be more willing to think about their way to live and act. But for everything, in think that Grant changed more that anyone else in the story because dealing with Jefferson gave him a new perspective of live and also the need of God in our daily life. “After the students and me had recited their bible’s verses, there would be no recess period for them today, and that I would let them go home for dinner at eleven o’ clock because I wanted them all back at the school no later than a quarter to twelve and ask them to stay on their knees”( page. 247) At the beginning of the story, Grant didn’t believe on God for any unreasoned reason, but now, but push his students to stay with him until the execution was over. It maybe was for another reason, but the fact that he pray with them gives another meaning to Grant’s attitude toward religion and willingness to open an space in himself to help others and make their last hours the best ones.
ReplyDelete1) I think that there was more of a transformation for Grant rather than Jefferson. In the beginning of the story Grant had no idea how to help Jefferson let alone help himself with his own problems. Grant changed in many ways throughout the story, for one he has somewhat of an idea on how he supposed to help his town. At one point of the story he was told the only way he'd be able to help Jefferson was to lie to him and tell him that he was going to heaven. He sort of found some answers that weren't that direct but defiantly helped Jefferson out.
ReplyDelete2)I think the reasoning for Grant not going to Jefferson's execution because Jefferson become something more that just a job that he was given. It wasn't just about helping Jefferson out anymore, Jefferson became a friend to Grant.
ch. 24 & 25
ReplyDeleteOn pages 190-193, Grant takes Jefferson for a walk. Jefferson doesn’t speak much, as Grant is doing most of the talking. I think this part of the novel is a key example of Grant’s effort in trying to help Jefferson, because the teacher side of him really shows by some of the things that he says. Grant asks different questions and then, without waiting for a response from Jefferson, he explains the answer to his question so that Jefferson can truly understand what he means and why he is talking about it. For example, on page 191, Grant asks, “Do you know what a hero is, Jefferson?” and then he answers his own question, explaining to Jefferson what a hero is (in his opinion). On page 192, Grant asks, “Do you know what a myth is, Jefferson?”, and then Grant explains what a myth is and ties it in with the main point of the overall talk—to teach Jefferson what it means to be a man and how to become one.
Ch. 26 & 27
I found it interesting when Reverend Ambrose said to Grant, “You hear me talking. But are you listening? No, you ain’t listening.” This made me think about whom else Grant has done this to. I feel that Grant has heard Vivian talking to him before, but I’m no so sure that he was really listening to her and understanding what she was saying:
“What is me?” she said. “Tell me, what is me?”
“Honey—”
“No, tell me,” she said. “Who am I? Who are you? Who are we? Tell me.”
“All I know is I love you,” I said.
“That’s not enough,” she said. “What is love?”
“Honey—”
“What is it?” she asked. “That bed? That’s love?”
“Honey—please.”
“No. Give me some answers. Give me some answers—today. Today I want answers.”
“Honey, I love you.”
“That’s no answer……”
Vivian is trying to get somewhere with Grant in the conversation but he won’t give her any answers. Because Grant repeats himself over and over, hardly saying anything at all, this makes me believe that he wasn’t truly listening to what Vivian had to say. It seems like Grant just doesn’t want to deal with the kind of conversation that Vivian wants to have at this moment, so rather than thoroughly grasping every word that she tells him, he lets her words fly into one ear and come right out of the other.
Ch. 28
ReplyDeleteI think that at this point in the novel, we can clearly notice the gradual change that Jefferson has made in becoming a man. On page 20, when Grant asks Jefferson if he’s hungry, Jefferson says “maybe later”. On page 225, Jefferson writes “I’m go’n do my best, Mr. Wiggins. That’s all I can promise. My best.” Jefferson then. It only takes a couple of examples to prove that Jefferson has made a change. He is willing to eat food that is brought to him now, and he also promises to do his best to be a man before/at the execution.
Also, in his diary, Jefferson questions that if he is just a hog, then why isn’t anyone treating him like he’s one?
Ch. 29
This chapter was very emotional and heart wrenching. It gives evidence to Jefferson’s complete change in mindset. Throughout most of his time in jail, it seemed like Jefferson didn’t give much thought to how his nannan was feeling, as he wouldn’t think twice about eating any of her food since it was for people and not “hogs”. On page 231, Jefferson writes in his diary about how he saw Miss Emma at the table—she looked old and tired. He told her that he loved her and that he was strong, and she pulled him to her and kissed him. Jefferson let her hold him for a long time, and the told her again that he was strong and that she didn’t need to come back anymore. Jefferson declaring that he is strong proves that he has changed. Jefferson was able to become strong from Grant’s help, in my opinion. On page 232, Jefferson writes an apology to Grant for crying when Grant said that he wasn’t coming back. He writes (to Grant): “an reson i cry cause you been so good to me mr wiggin an nobody aint never been that good to me an make me think im sombody”. Grant was able to make Jefferson feel important and worthwhile by going to see him so often and talking to him. Grant’s day job may be to teach kids in a classroom, but I believe that Grant was naturally able to use those same skills (in a different way) in teaching Jefferson how to become a man.
in the blog from ch. 28 that i just posted, just forget about that last sentence... it's not supposed to be there
ReplyDeleteChapters 24+25:
ReplyDeleteFor another trip to the jail where Jefferson is being help, Grant goes with Miss Emma to visit Jefferson. Jefferson once again is not eating the food the Miss Emma brought for him. Grant takes Jefferson for a walk around the room and talks to him about how its too late for him to be a hero but its not too late for Jefferson. After the whole talk with Jefferson, he began to cry and then so did Grant. This is a major turning point in the book where Jefferson realizes that he needs to step up for the sake of Miss Emma and the people in his community. While Grant is at the Rainbow club, he overhears two men talking about how Jefferson should of been executed long ago. After hearing this Grant ends up fighting the two men. Here is a great point in the book where Grant actually realizes that he cares about Jefferson and he's not just another black man about to be executed.
Chapters 26+27:
Grant wakes up at Vivian's house after the fight at the bar. After a whole discussion, they get into a fight in how Grant is not giving Vivian what she needs. He storms out of the house and after he stands outside the front door for a while he realizes that he all needs is Vivian and he goes crying into her lap. Reverend Ambrose talks to Grant on how he needs to talk to Jefferson about God, but Grant doesn't believe in God and he doesn't want to lie to Jefferson.
Chapter 28:
Grant visits Jefferson and asks him about his last visit with Reverent Ambrose, Jefferson says that he told him to pray but Jefferson doesn't do this because hes not sure if heaven exists. Grant tells him that he should believe in something. Grant and Jefferson go further into this discussion about God and Jefferson asks Grant if he believes in God and he says he does. Grant also reads Jefferson's diary and sees that its got its first page was almost filled.
Chapter 29:
This chapter is about Jefferson diary, in his diary Jefferson talks about how the whites in his life weren't exactly cruel to him, they actually show Jefferson some compassion. This chapter goes into to great detail on what Jefferson is actually feeling about not only about his execution but Jefferson's view on life.
summarizing the ans' to my Q's: 1) jefferson's radio is a major escape from his dark reality, it gives him a slice of the free world that he longs for.
ReplyDelete2) jefferson is finally alowing grant to help him & be there for him, he is showing grant a softer, or more human side (instead of hog).
Response to Morgans Q's for 30 & 31:
1)Although grant has an additude change, Jefferson, even though he dies regardless, has a life altering change, he considers himself a person, a man even. Ever since he got the radio, he has become softer and more normal around others.
2) It's probly too painful to watch jefferson be executed, he became a friend to grant and he had said good bye to jefferson.
chap. 29 summary:
This chapter is jeffersons diary witch he has written in a lot lately in the story. Jeffersons english is atrocious because of his education or lack there of. He talks about his life, and shows how he has grown up in a sense that he dosen't think he is a hog and doesen't act immature.