A martyr is generally defined as a person who is killed as a result of their beliefs. The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman by Ernest Gaines displays several characters that fit this definition, such as Ned, Tee Bob, and Jimmy. Each of these characters were able to ignite the fire and help create revolutionary societal change. Ned was the first martyr present in the novel. He taught the black children to not be subservient to white people stating that he wants “to see some of [his] children become lawyers” and “ministers of the Bible” (116). He preaches that they should not only work in trade while the white people create the laws. He taught his sermons to people all over, people of all ages and backgrounds. Because of his public teachings,
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He believed white people and black people were not different and could not understand the divide between the races. His brother, Timmy, was only half black, but was still treated poorly. Timmy had to “saddle [Tee Bob’s] horse” and “ride behind him,” which Tee Bob could understand (154), however he could not understand why Timmy had to leave home. Tee Bob also fell in love with Mary Agnes, a black woman, who told him that they could not be together. Because his views on race differed from the popular opinion in the South, he eventually killed himself. His death showed that the only thing to come from the separation of the races was death. Tee Bob’s death showed that black people were not the only ones who wanted societal change. The final martyr to appear was Jimmy. He protested segregation in the South and wanted to bring the protests to Louisiana. He had gone to jail because of his protests many times before, but at the protest in Louisiana he was shot. His death inspired Jane to continue to the protest, even though the others had went back home. This shows that whenever a leader dies their death will spark the fire within others to carry on their legacy. The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman by Ernest Gaines portrays several martyrs; Ned, Tee Bob, and Jimmy. Each of these characters were necessary for revolutionary societal change. The death of a leader inspires others to continue to change
He believed white people and black people were not different and could not understand the divide between the races. His brother, Timmy, was only half black, but was still treated poorly. Timmy had to “saddle [Tee Bob’s] horse” and “ride behind him,” which Tee Bob could understand (154), however he could not understand why Timmy had to leave home. Tee Bob also fell in love with Mary Agnes, a black woman, who told him that they could not be together. Because his views on race differed from the popular opinion in the South, he eventually killed himself. His death showed that the only thing to come from the separation of the races was death. Tee Bob’s death showed that black people were not the only ones who wanted societal change. The final martyr to appear was Jimmy. He protested segregation in the South and wanted to bring the protests to Louisiana. He had gone to jail because of his protests many times before, but at the protest in Louisiana he was shot. His death inspired Jane to continue to the protest, even though the others had went back home. This shows that whenever a leader dies their death will spark the fire within others to carry on their legacy. The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman by Ernest Gaines portrays several martyrs; Ned, Tee Bob, and Jimmy. Each of these characters were necessary for revolutionary societal change. The death of a leader inspires others to continue to change