A Lesson Before Dying Literary Analysis

Commonality in Themes Many novels share a common theme, this allows for literary connections to be made in order to further analyze the novels. For example, the three literary works that will be closely analyzed are; Fences,A Lesson before Dying, and Devil in a Blue Dress. Fences is a play written by playwright August Wilson, Fences is set in the 1950’s during the break in racial segregation. The play revolves around the current discrimination and the acts to overcome it in everyday life. Next, the novel written by Ernest J. Gaines, A Lesson Before Dying. The plot of A Lesson Before Dying revolves around the injustices of their current society and trying to live a normal life within the brink of racial discrimination. Lastly, the third

The plot consists of the main character,Troy, being responsible for taking care of his children. In one scene Troy explains that he does not lawfully have to like or accept Cory, his son, although it is his responsibility to take care of him. “Who the hell say I got to like you?” “Don't you eat everyday?” “Got a roof over your head.”(Troy 37). The next example of responsibility shown in the play is the situation of Raynell. Raynell is Troy’s bastard child. Troy was untrue to Rose, his wife, which resulted in the birth of Raynell. When the child was born the mistress died in childbirth, resulting in only Troy to take care of her. Troy at this point had lost his wife’s support and could have very easily chosen to ignore his fatherhood duties. Instead, Troy took Raynell and explained to Rose “She's my daughter, Rose. My own flesh and blood. I can't deny her no more than I can deny those boys.” (Wilson 79), this statement accurately represents his strong commitment to his responsibilities despite the circumstances.Another major beneficiary to the plot is the social climate. The social climate at the time the play takes place is a segregated community, although at this time the civilians were beginning to challenge the prejudice society. An example of this is when Troy fights with his employer due to the fact that he is not allowed to drive the trucks, rather he is sentenced to hard labor because he is black.”Why you got the white mens driving and the colored lifting?”(Wilson 2)On the brink of a social evolution, overcoming the segregation presented many problems amongst the working class. Troy diminishes his own self-worth by denying his son of opportunity in order to keep Cory’s accomplishments below his