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A Lesson Before Dying is a novel about a young black male, in the 1940's, who was int he "Wrong place at the wrong time." Him and his friends( who were drunk at the time), went into a liquor store to buy some wine, but the two friends never had any money. So they decided to harass the "white" owner, and they began to shoot, killing the owner, and the owner killed them. Jefferson, the main character, was left in the store and was arrested and convicted of murder. But, the novel is also showing how two men, Jefferson and Grant's struggle to attain their manhood in a prejudice society. I recommend this book because it is well-written and it shows that even though slavery has been illegal for 60 years, racism and prejudices is still alive.
Throughout the novel, Jeffereson takes being called a "hog" to heart, which reflected on his way of life and he tought because he is a "hog", he should die like one. Grant was then sent to the jail to persuade Jefferson that he is not a "hog" and that he should have pride and dignity, and die like a man, and show thwe black community something to draw a sense of pride from. At the same time, Grant himself is learning not to wallow his own pain and fear. Everytime Grant visited Jefferson, they both learned more about each other, and as the execution date comes closer, Jefferson shows he wishes to face reality and Grant shows he is ready to be a leader and beacuse he is ready to be vulnerable.
I first heard about this book from one of my friends, and they this book was really good, but i never thought it was going to be this good. My perspective of the novel is that a young black male who was convicted of a murder that he didint even commit, was reborn on death role with the help of his teacher, Grant Wiggins. This book has showed me how some people can be blaimed easily for things if there in the wrong place at the wrong time. I recommend this book to all high schoolers because it shows an insightful look into...