A Lesson Before Dying By Ernest Gaines

“We can’t heal the world today but we can begin with a voice of compassion, a heart of love, and an act of kindness.” This quote by Mary Davis encapsulates the essence of Gaines’ lesson on humanity in “A Lesson Before Dying,” emphasizing the crucial role of embracing each other with love and support to cultivate an improved society that is united. In the face of Jefferson’s oppressive circumstances and impending death sentence, Grant’s community urges him to guide Jefferson towards manhood, after Jefferson was called a hog, a responsibility initially resisted. However, as Grant reluctantly teaches Jefferson, a bond forms between them, leading to mature growth that inspire one another and the rest of the community. Gaines highlights the profound

While Vivian and Grant walk across town, they come across pecan trees, leading Grant to recollect his memories of picking pecans which were challenging labor. The sight of the pecans evokes Grant’s memories of picking “pecans under [the] tree many times,” but despite the harsh labor that it brings, Grant “cracked pecans for [them] both” as he “loves [himself] half as much as [he] loves [Vivian]” (Gaines 108). The pecans symbolize the hardships endured by the black community, mirroring the challenging task of picking pecans, and Grant’s gesture of sharing them with Vivian highlights his ability to confront obstacles in their relationship. This inspires the idea of fostering deep connections, showing that fighting for genuine relationships that face challenges leads to valuable love. Grant’s visit to Jefferson, carrying pecans gifted by his students, deeply moves Jefferson and evokes a surge of emotion within Grant, filling him with immense pride for Jefferson’s progress. As Jefferson expresses his gratitude for “the children sen[ding] [him] some pecans,” Grant reacts with warmth as he “grins like a fool,” joyfully embracing Jefferson by “throw[ing his] arms around him,” and tightly holding “his hand with both of” his (Gaines 184, 186). Through the historical hardships associated with pecan picking, as it was a black people's job in the fields, the children’s gift symbolizes the community’s capacity to demonstrate love and support, leading Jefferson to express his emotions and make strides in personal growth, exemplifying how supportiveness and acts of care can create transformative change into a new way of life. Grant demonstrates his affection towards Jefferson, unveiling a motivating aspect, and