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A Lesson Before Dying Ernest j. Gaines

A Lesson Before Dying Ernest j. Gaines. MODERN NOVEL. THINK…. Think back to our lessons on right and wrong. If we are unable to determine whether universal “laws” exist—or can be established—then how should we punish people who break the laws the rest of us seem to follow?. QW: Punishment.

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A Lesson Before Dying Ernest j. Gaines

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  1. A Lesson Before DyingErnest j. Gaines MODERN NOVEL

  2. THINK… • Think back to our lessons on right and wrong. • If we are unable to determine whether universal “laws” exist—or can be established—then how should we punish people who break the laws the rest of us seem to follow?

  3. QW: Punishment • On that note, is capital punishment an appropriate way to deal with “gross” offenders? • As always, include a topic and concluding sentence, sound analysis/examples, and a vocabulary word. • Share/discuss • Consider: What if a person is wrongfully convicted of a crime…?

  4. GAINES • Born 1933, Pointe Coupee Parish, LA • Graduate of SF State • Also wrote A Gathering of Old Men (84) and The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman (71) • Known for his solid, first-person narrative style • None of his works are strictly autobiographical

  5. GAINES However, he was… • Born into a family of sharecroppers • Attended school in the plantation church • Primarily raised by his aunt • (NOTE: all of these are pretty much true of the protagonist as well)

  6. A Lesson Before Dying • Story of a young black man convicted of murder (of a white man) • Guilty by association • “Wrong place, wrong time” situation • Sentenced to death • In Louisiana, 1940

  7. A Lesson… • Discrimination • Pre civil-rights South • Death penalty (and treatment of criminals in general)

  8. Read and consider • Read Ch. 1-3 • In the novel’s opening lines Grant says, • “I was not there, yet I was there. No, I did not go to the trial, I did not hear the verdict, because I knew all the time what it would be.” • Consider why Gaines might open the novel in this way. • *What is the “right” thing for Grant to do?*

  9. “Tante Lou, Miss Emma, Jefferson is dead.” (14) • What does Grant mean by this? • Explain how this is philosophically fair or unfair.

  10. Analyze the social stratification that is displayed in Chapter 3. • What evidence do we see of injustice?

  11. “Bayonne’s major industries were a cement plant, a sawmill, and a slaughterhouse…” (25) • What symbolism do you note?

  12. “I need to go someplace where I can feel like I’m living…” (29) • What might Grant be saying about life and happiness? Evaluate his character.

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