Symbolism In Ernest Grant's A Lesson Before Dying

Ernest Grant’s A Lesson before Dying surrounds the story of a young black man named Jefferson who is convicted of murder and sentenced to death. The story is set in the 1940s, where discrimination was prevalent. Therefore, Jefferson encounter with the harsh oppressive and racist nature towards blacks, lead him to lose a sense of his identity. Fay Weldon stated that “The writers, I do believe, who get the best and most lasting response from their readers are the writers who offer a happy ending through moral development. By a happy ending, I do not mean mere fortunate events -- a marriage or a last minute rescue from death -- but some kind of spiritual reassessment or moral reconciliation, even with the self, even at death." The validity in Weldon’s statement is seen in A Lesson before Dying as although Jefferson is executed by the end of the novel, he demonstrates personal growth as he defies the stereotypes and becomes “a man,” which allows the novel to have a happy ending.
As Jefferson is presented in court, he is …show more content…
Jefferson became aware that his death held symbolic meaning as it allowed himself to show his community that they are not defined by stereotypes. His final moment was described as him being “the bravest man in the room.” Therefore, his execution showed that Jefferson was not a “hog” but rather a “man” when he died. Although he died, his spiritual reassessment made his death hold a positive meaning and impact for his society; his passing made his community proud because it indicated that blacks are not what they are labeled as. Jefferson’s personal growth contributed to the work as whole as it exhibits the themes of racism and redemption, as Jefferson defies the norm he is placed in and his character portrays the discrimination that African-Americans faced throughout the