The American Hero In A Lesson Before Dying

In the book “A Lesson Before Dying” there are many American themes that are hit on. Although, one that was really hit on was the ‘American Hero’. Some people would argue that an ‘American Hero’ is someone who is strong both physically or mentally or that they are in someway supporting their country. In “A Lesson Before Dying” Gaines perception of one is different. The greatest example of this would be Jefferson. He was a nobody before, no one thought he would be of great importance. That all changed once he was convicted to the electric chair. At that point, he changed drastically and became a new man. He wasn't the same as before he went through his journey. Jefferson changed mentally, physically, and spiritually. Jefferson could not have changed alone, as any regular hero he needed a mentor. His mentor was Grant Wiggins. Even if he gained some …show more content…
His change on the perspective of religion was all thanks to Reverend Ambrose. He was the one who pushed Jefferson to listen to not only Grant but him. A flaw about trying to ‘fix’ Jefferson was the idea of death itself. Jefferson was probably thinking long and hard about what would happen once he died. Questions that he most likely dark, but religion sort of got rid of that fear because there is a designated place for one to go when they die.It was briefly discussed in the book but he did change his view on religion. He didn't seem too passionate about it as his God Mother was, but he didn't truly dispose of it as his mentor , Grant, had. What was said about Jefferson and his relationship with religion seemed like it was strong enough for the amount of time he had. (Insert Quote in which Grant hears Jeff. Talk about religion or a piece of his diary). The religion aspect was something that made him a hero because it gave him more strength that he would need. Without it, he most likely would of still succeed but with more