In this Installment of, "A Lesson Before Dying," Jefferson's execution date is set. Everything that has happened in the last 50 pages has been centered around that.
Jefferson has really started to open up. Now that a date has been set, the execution is even more real. He knows exactly how much time he has to live. His mind is starting to clear. Grants hard work is starting to pay off. Jefferson's emotions are starting to come forth, and Jefferson does not no what to do with them. He says he wants a radio and ice cream, but those are just distractions. what he really wants, he knows he cannot have. However, he has realized that he needs distractions, that he cannot sit in his cell and think about dying for the rest of his life.
Grant wants to comfort Jefferson, but he does not know what to say. He tells Jefferson about his own life, because that is what he knows. The whole community has rallied around Jefferson, which helps him. He did not realize what he meant to everyone. Now that he is not filled with hate, he is realizing how much he is loved, and how much responsibility he carries. He wants to represent his people, but he needs Grants help.
On another note, Vivian is jealous of Irene, a school girl. Will it have an effect on Grant and Vivian's relationship? We will see...
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Hi, Elusive, this is your teacher.
ReplyDeleteVery, very good entries. You blend your summary of the book with clear commentary/questions/interpretations. Your realization that Grant is not much of a man at the beginning of the book is particularly impressive. This "lesson" is both Jefferson's and Grant's. Your question about the role of jealousy--good! we'll see what happens!
Did you read A Gathering of Old Men last year? If not, you may enjoy it. It's also by Earnest Gaines, and it's a mystery told in shifting first-person point of view.
Next blog grading requires 6 entries, 2/17/09. I look forward to seeing what you have to say!