Topic > Symbolism in a Lesson Before Dying by Ernest Gaines

A delightful novel amuses and entertains the reader wanting to read more and more until he knows every single detail of the book. A Lesson Before Dying is a story set in the city of Bayonne, Louisiana, in the late 1940s. A Lesson Before Dying is a moving story of acceptance of injustice and salvation. A Lesson Before Dying is written by a wonderful, serious novelist named J. Gaines and is one of those great, extroverted novels. Gaines not only simply enlightens the reader, but also entertains with his effective narration. His use of symbolic voice and stylistic devices keeps the reader captivated until the last page. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay First, Gaines is effective as a narrator due to his use of symbolism in A Lesson Before Dying. The first symbol that is very attractive in A Lesson Before Dying is the pig. During his court hearing for first-degree robbery and murder, Jefferson's lawyer tries to prove his innocence by dehumanizing and criticizing his intelligence. Jefferson's lawyer does this by claiming that he is incapable of killing because he does not have an ounce of intelligence (Gaines, 9). Although it is very disrespectful to do so, Jefferson's lawyer compares him to a pig, Why, I would immediately put a pig in the electric chair like this (Gaines 10). This statement. Another symbol that appears in this story involves food. Food storytelling was used by the author as a way to convey love and attachment. In the novel, when Grant discusses with his aunt about eating in town, he states: Nothing could have hurt her more when I said I wouldn't eat her food (Gaines, 21). Furthermore, while Jefferson is imprisoned, Miss Emma goes to get his desired choice of cuisine so that she can convey and express kindness and affection towards him. Jefferson's refusal to eat really hurt Miss Emma's feelings, and it was very painful for her to hear it from him, even after trying to do something positive. At one point, Grant tells Jefferson to eat for Miss Emma, ​​to show that he still admires her. Along with the symbolization of love, food also signifies the mercy and sympathy represented by Jefferson. When he is called a pig, this makes him sensitive, and for this reason he feels a little embarrassed, even refusing to eat. In the novel, he refuses the offer of food and tells them that the food is for them, this is for Youmans (Gaines 67). With the realization of himself and the moral vision of his understanding side, he finally agrees to eat. The last symbol in this story is connected to the notebook that Grant gives to Jefferson after numerous efforts to get some kind of communication ground from Miss Emma, ​​Grant, and Reverend Ambrose. He writes down all his opinions and feelings and reflects on the thought of the existence of life and the end of the world. At one point during his reflection in his notebook to Grant, he states, it seems like the gentleman only works for white people (Gaines, 186). Jefferson talks about prejudice, but he also recognizes his purpose in life and the consensus of his newfound pride. The notebook also illustrates the union and friendship established with Grant and Jefferson. Writing to Grant, Jefferson ultimately accepted Grant's advice and support demonstrating that in his short time as a friend, he was truly transformed. These three examples used by Gaines throughout the narrative show the effective use of symbols that build the story. Additionally, Gaines is a compelling narrator with careful attention to the use of his voice. Gaines uses his voice the way he does..