Gaines explores the ethics of heroism and sacrifice in A Lesson Before Dying. Throughout the novel, Gaines is careful to show us the small and large sacrifices the characters make for each other.
The reason Grant does this, Gaines suggests, is the same reason that people donate their wood to the schoolhouse: humans have an innate, illogical desire to help others. If heroism is sacrifice, this would suggest that all people are capable of heroism.
It may be that all people are capable of such displays of heroism, even if only a few of them ever prove it. Maybe tomorrow, maybe next week, maybe today. Especially people who love me, people who have done so much for me, people who have sacrificed for me. I want to help those people as much as I can.
A hero is someone who does something for other people. He is different from other men. He is above other men. No matter who those other men are, the hero, no matter who he is, is above them. I teach because it is the only thing that an educated black man can do in the South today. I want to run away. I want to live for myself and for my woman and for nobody else.
That is not a hero. A hero does for others. The last thing they ever want is to see a black man stand, and think, and show that common humanity that is in us all. It would destroy their myth. They would no longer have justification for having made us slaves and keeping us in the condition we are in. At that church, crying on her knees. You ever looked at the scabs on her knees, boy? Course you never. I know my people.
I know what they gone through. I know they done cheated themself, lied to themself—hoping that one they all love and trust can come back and help relieve the pain. Jefferson continued to look at Paul, a long, deep look, and the deputy felt that there was something else he wanted to say.
Murphy and the other deputy were still waiting. And his eyes were speaking, even more than his mouth. The deputy looked back at him. Murphy and Claude did too. He learns to love something other than himself and to strive for change without retreating into his shell of cynicism. Jefferson dies nobly, but he still dies, murdered by his racist oppressors.
Grant ends the novel encouraged by the changes he has seen, but depressed at the barbarity of his society. He is still afraid, he is still withdrawn from some people, and he is still sarcastic and angry. SparkTeach Teacher's Handbook. Themes Motifs Symbols. Mini Essays Suggested Essay Topics. Jefferson is falsely accused and given the death sentence for murdering a store owner because of his skin color. Jefferson is influenced and taught how to become a hero by Grant by keeping his faith and. Sometimes these situations provide opportunities to be a hero.
He is different from other men. He is above other men. No matter who those other men are, the hero, no matter who he is, is above them. A hero is different from …show more content… Throughout the novel, Grant undergoes psychological changes that allow him to become a hero.
Eventually this rage becomes self-loathing and cynicism, because he feels he is taking the unjust treatment from whites lying down. This downward spiral causes him to alienate himself from people he loves and feel that the community is helpless. During a conversation with Vivian, Grant says, he cannot face Jefferson because he cannot face himself and his own life.
Vivian helps Grant realize that he has left the South in the past, has returned, and still has not left. This helps him realize that he is there for a reason. Another change happens when he accepts the task of helping Jefferson.
At first Grant is angry and believes that Miss Emma wants him to perform a difficult and maybe impossible task of convincing Jefferson to die with defiance and character. After accepting this task and dealings with Jefferson, Grant realizes what a hero is and he can have an impact on the community. Finally when Grant breaks down in front of his students he realizes that he is ready to connect with the children that he has been so strict with. Many heroes have to overcome an inner struggle to realize their potential for greatness.
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