A theme that plays a huge role in the novel A Lesson Before Dying would be alcoholism. Many characters demonstrate this act in an unhealthy manner. For example, the night of the murder and robbery. Alcee Grope was killed by Bear and Brother because they were in dire need of wine. Jefferson was accused of the crime even though he was only an innocent witness because he also was drunk that night and could not remember what exactly had happened that night. I believe Gaines was trying to show what a horrible thing alcohol can create out of people and that alcoholism is not okay. In my opinion I think this theme is important because many families suffer from alcoholic family members and are extremely affected by their actions. Miss Emma was obviously
