User:Abbymach/A Lesson Before Dying

Themes

Education

Education is a prominent theme in the novel. Without the education Grant received, he would of never been asked to help Jefferson. Therefore, Jefferson would not learn to die as a man and Grant would never learn to live as one. The way education is presented changes throughout the story. For example, at the start of the novel, Grant is presented as a very strict instructor who does not see hope in teaching the students as most will not make it out of their hometown or end up like Jefferson. Grant, at the start of the novel, also never wanted to teach Jefferson as he thought it was a waste of time and energy as Jefferson was already on death row, that nothing Grant could do would help. Throughout the book, Grant is taught by Vivian, that even if he could help just one student it would be worth it. Grant also helps and instructs Jefferson who learns to die as a man. Both men were able to teach one another about life and what it means to be a man.

Identity

Identity is a major theme in the novel A Lesson Before Dying. Identity is the driving force of the novel. Identity is trying to be discovered by the main two characters of the book, Grant and Jefferson. Jefferson’s search for identity, prompted by Miss Emma, is to find how to be a man. The search for Jefferson’s identity brought on the help of Grant. Throughout the book, Grant realized his need to find his own identity. Though Grant was asked to help Jefferson find the meaning of his life and how to die as a man, Grant also had to discover what it meant to live as a man.

Importance of Community

Importance of community is shown throughout the novel. Community rallies together in support of Jefferson and his family. One way the importance of community is shown in the novel is through Grant traveling through the town collecting money to pay for a radio for Jefferson (Cite). Additionally, the importance of community is shown through Jefferwon’s last visit from Grant where Grant brings his students. The students bring Jefferson gifts, some give him hugs, and others kind words. All of these examples show how the importance of community is shown throughout the novel.