A Lesson Before Dying - Two Conflicting Forces

This side of him conflicts with his commitment to Jefferson, Miss Emma, and, being the teacher he is, the children. Vivian reminds him of this in Chapter 4, explaining that this commitment is the reason for him coming back after the aforementioned episode. He also feels the need to stay in the town because of Vivian, not just what she says: “‘Then why haven’t you gone?’ ‘Because of you (Vivian).’” (29)

Despite his love for Vivian, Grant’s wishes to leave become embedded even farther upon Miss Emma’s request of him. He sees no way

. . .
What can I do that you haven’t done the past twenty-one years?’” (13) This prejudice he makes towards Jefferson and his ignorance helps reveal the meaning of the work that his conflict elucidates. At least that is what people like him tried to make you believe. The common meaning of the work is prejudice and racism affects everyone. ’ He stared at me as though I was one of the worst of sinners. ” (72)—but sticks it out because he does not want to fulfill the whites’ expectations of him. Because so many white people have denied that he can make a difference, Grant feels the need to prove them wrong, seen specifically when he wants to leave Jefferson early: “I wanted to leave, but it was too early: the sheriff would have had his proof that I hadn’t reached Jefferson, that I was giving up. Aside from the obvious, the jury, the police, and the majority of other white characters in the story that are constantly prejudice, Grants inner conflict plays a large role in the work’s theme. His thoughts exemplify this evidence, especially after waiting hours for Henri and Sam, only to feel compelled to act less intelligent around them: “I tried to decide just how I should respond to them. ”

Grant experiences more prejudice in less likely places with Reverend Ambrose: “‘he didn’t keep the faith, either.

Grant begins to prejudice against people, however, and this shows him how he cannot get away from it. Backsliders were usually worse than those who had never been converted. When he finds that Miss Emma is sick and sees Vivian get a reaction from her by telling her she would pray for her (pg.

Furthermore, Grant witnesses even more prejudice in the mulattos he overhears at the bar, in Chapter 25, speaking about the need for Jefferson’s past due death penalty: “‘Should have burned him months ago. In other words, before this simple event, Grant used prejudice and racism (the key theme elements) to fuel his desire to help Jefferson, but witnessing Vivian’s display of love he sees a new way to reach Jefferson.

Common topics in this essay:
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Approximate Word count = 1063
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

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