Reading between the Lines

A well-written novel will hold significant meaning that can be easily found throughout the novel. Understanding and using effective storytelling elements will help make the story stronger. Ernest J. Gaines is a very effective storyteller through his use of symbolism. He shows symbolism through the hog, food, and the notebook.

To start off, the first symbol to have significant meaning is the hog. During the trial when Jefferson is being accused of robbery and first degree murder, Jefferson’s attorney attempts to find him innocent by humiliating him and making fun of his intelligence. Saying he doesn’t have a “modicum of intelligence” (Gaines, seven) to commit a crime like that. He then continues by comparing Jefferson to a hog: “Why, I would just as soon put a hog in the electric chair as this” (Gaines, eight). This is effective because this sentence begins to develop the conflict for the rest of the novel. In addition, Miss Emma desperately wants Grant to convince Jefferson he is not a hog by saying: “I don’t want them to kill no hog...I want a man to go to that chair, on his own two feet”. (Gaines, thirteen). This is effective as a storyteller because it begins to develop the theme of blacks wanting to show the whites that they are equal. Also, Jefferson has started to act like a hog and eats the food Miss Emma has sent him on his knees, because "that's how a old hog eat.” (Gaines, eighty-three). This is effective as a storyteller because it is showing that Jefferson has let the whites treat him poorly. Therefore, the hog has significant meaning because it is an animal usually seen as filthy and this represents the way the whites have been treating the blacks; as ugly and foolish animals. The hog represents how blacks were seen a...

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...h and help Jefferson. Jefferson writes in the notebook as if writing a letter to Grant, which suggests that Jefferson looks to Grant for guidance even when alone in his cell. In addition, the notebook symbolizes hope for future collaboration not just between blacks, but between blacks and whites—for Paul, the white deputy, delivers the book to Grant and asks to shake Grant’s hand. “Paul stuck out his hand. ‘Allow me to be your friend, Grant Wiggins...’” (Gaines, 255). This conversation suggests the reconnection between blacks and whites in the future. Therefore, the notebook symbolizes reconnections with society itself, reconnections of friends and of different races.

In conclusion, Gaines uses the hog, food and the notebook to represent bigger meanings. This is effective as a storyteller because it represents a meaning that goes beyond the actual words being said.