A lesson before dying

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A lesson before dying

Title: A Lesson Before Dying, New York, Vintage Contemporaries, 1993.

Scene: A small Cajun community outside of Bayonne Louisiana one

hundred years after Emancipation. It is the story of a teacher

and a prisoner who have to work together and find what it is to be a man.

Theme: Recognizing Injustice and Facing Responsibility

Key Persons: Jefferson, a poor man who was convicted of a crime, and sentenced to death. He rediscovers his self-worth and prepares to face his execution with dignity and purpose

Grant Wiggins, a teacher who was forced to go and help Jefferson before his execution. Vivian, Grant's girlfriend and also a teacher, she is trying to divorce her husband. Miss Emma, Jefferson's grandmother, who raised him and wants Grant to teach him to walk like a man before he is put to death. Tante Lou, Grant's aunt who raised him and who he lives with, Miss Emma's best friend. Reverend Ambrose, the community’s self-proclaimed preacher, wants to help Jefferson find God before he is put to death.

Key Incidents:

1. Jefferson is convicted of murder and sentenced to death by electrocution. Miss Emma

is distraught, and has Grant drive her and Tante Lou to Mr. Pichot's house.

2. Grant finds out that he has to go and visit Jefferson and try to make him a man.

3. Grant goes to visit Jefferson but he will not even recognize his being there.

4. Grant tells Vivian that he does not want to go back. That he just wants them to run ...

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