In A Lesson Before dying by Ernest J. Gaines, the character of Grant Wiggins becomes a hero by teaching the prisoner Jefferson to die with dignity. Through fate and "bad luck", grant changes Jefferson so that he doesn't die like a fool but as a hero. For grant to be able to do this, grant undergoes a series of psychological changes and becomes a hero in his own right. By Grant teaching Jefferson to die with dignity and by Jefferson learning how to die with dignity they both initiate a change in the community by refusing to fulfill the expected expectations placed upon them by a racist white society.
             During the 1940's the character of Jefferson is convicted of a murder that he did not commit. For his closing argument, Jefferson's lawyer says, "What justice would there be to take this life? Justice, gentlemen? Why, I would just as soon put a hog in the electric chair as this" pg.6 A Lesson Before Dying by Gaines. This slap in the face echoes throughout the black community. If Jefferson dies like a hog it will prove their white counterparts right. Ms. Emma ask grant to take the responsibility of teaching Jefferson to die like a man. Reluctantly grant accepts. At first grant goes to see Jefferson with ms. Emma and Tante Lou. One day ms. Emma, jefferson's godmother becomes sick and grants aunt, tante lou, spends time to take care of her. grant unfortunately has to go to the jailhouse alone to spend time with Jefferson. When grant get there Jefferson is cold and unreceptive when Jefferson finally does talk he gets on the floor and buries is head in the food like a hog. Saying its only fattening me up for the slaughter.
             During this whole time grant despises being at the court house. He feels that this isn't going to help his community at all. Because it is to throghly segregated.he cant teach a condimmed man dignity, because he himself feels that Jefferson is the average black fool, and is j...