Ernest Gaines, A Lesson Before Dying, is an honest view of a moment in American history that examines racial attitudes as they existed mostly in the South in the 1940’s. Though Grant Wiggins and Jefferson are the main characters, Miss Emma, Mr. Farrell Jarreau and Mr. Joseph Morgan give a revealing look at their current society's attitude towards blacks and whites. Miss Emma is a bold character setting everything into motion. Mr Farrell Jarreau is a character who seems silent, but has more of an impact than the loudest characters. Mr. Joseph Morgan, aka Dr. Joseph, is a character that displays the racism the author wants to highlight as normal in day-to-day life. The impact each character has on the overall story gives a better analysis about
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Farrell Jarreau is a silent character. Even though he is introduced as just Henri Pichot’s messenger and yardman he is described as patient, and worthy to be respected by Grant Wiggins. We learn that he is unlike so many of the others in their community because he loves his wife and doesn’t abuse her like other men who live in their community. He also has artistic talent that he enjoys. He loves creating beauty with his own hands. Mr. Farrell has self-respect and refuses to be a victim of race. His dignity makes him more of person even when people look down on servants and he earns the respect from Grant because of this modesty. His motivation in this story is remarkable. He will do his job and make sure Grant, who Mr. Farrell respects, is prepared to do what he must to help Jefferson. Mr. Farrell’s impact on this story is in his role as a go between for the white and black communities. Black people see him working and doing what he must and respect him, like Miss Emma and Tante Lou, as he lives the life of dignity when placed in an undignified role. When Grant asks what Mr. Farrell knows about Pichot and Jefferson in Chapter 5, Mr. Farrell says he knows nothing, but he and Grant have a moment and the reader knows he knows more than he is saying. This moment is a good example of black and white relations during this time period. There is no trust between the servant and master class no matter how long the relationship has gone on, but the servant class will always find a way to know. He’s more than the role people try to force him to
Farrell Jarreau is a silent character. Even though he is introduced as just Henri Pichot’s messenger and yardman he is described as patient, and worthy to be respected by Grant Wiggins. We learn that he is unlike so many of the others in their community because he loves his wife and doesn’t abuse her like other men who live in their community. He also has artistic talent that he enjoys. He loves creating beauty with his own hands. Mr. Farrell has self-respect and refuses to be a victim of race. His dignity makes him more of person even when people look down on servants and he earns the respect from Grant because of this modesty. His motivation in this story is remarkable. He will do his job and make sure Grant, who Mr. Farrell respects, is prepared to do what he must to help Jefferson. Mr. Farrell’s impact on this story is in his role as a go between for the white and black communities. Black people see him working and doing what he must and respect him, like Miss Emma and Tante Lou, as he lives the life of dignity when placed in an undignified role. When Grant asks what Mr. Farrell knows about Pichot and Jefferson in Chapter 5, Mr. Farrell says he knows nothing, but he and Grant have a moment and the reader knows he knows more than he is saying. This moment is a good example of black and white relations during this time period. There is no trust between the servant and master class no matter how long the relationship has gone on, but the servant class will always find a way to know. He’s more than the role people try to force him to