A Lessons Before Dying by Ernest Gaines | Teen Ink

A Lessons Before Dying by Ernest Gaines MAG

By Anonymous

   As I found myself reading this book, I experienced something that I had never felt before. It was stronger than compassion or sympathy. It was the feeling that I could sit and read something this great and understand so much, even though it wasn't happening to me. Throughout my reading, I felt as if I was there, watching from the sidelines, screaming to the blacks, and feeling their pain as they were constantly being oppressed and held back by white people. This book is an excellent illustration of how horribly some blacks were treated in a time when there was no equality.Jefferson, a young black man in his early twenties, is sentenced to die in the electric chair. He was judged unfairly and had not committed the crime he was now going to die for. Angry at the world, he wouldn't accept anyone into his life. A friend of Jefferson's godmother, Grant, helps Jefferson to overcome his fears and walk like a man. They become great friends, and both learn a huge lesson from one another. At the end of this story, Jefferson proves to everyone, even white men, that he is not an animal, but a man, a strong man, who loves his family.Reading this story, in a sense, has opened my eyes to how cruel this world can really be - a lesson I will use for the rest of my life. Others should read A Lesson Before Dying so that they can experience what I did



Similar Articles

JOIN THE DISCUSSION

This article has 3 comments.


i love this !

Ravenfall47 said...
on Oct. 1 2011 at 5:32 pm
Ravenfall47, Basking Ridge, New Jersey
0 articles 0 photos 9 comments
Yeah, over the summer I had to read three books and A Lesson Before Dying was definitely my favorite. It was so different then I expected it to be and different from any other book I have read. I actually found myself crying at the end when I wwas reading Jefferson's diary and only a really good book can make me do that. It's a good book for any age and any type of person. It's just a wonderful story that really makes a point in life.

asofnow GOLD said...
on Dec. 3 2010 at 11:06 pm
asofnow GOLD, Troy, Michigan
18 articles 0 photos 208 comments

Favorite Quote:
Nothing gold can stay ~ Robert Frost

i really lyk the beginning

ur a great writer, u no how to lure sumone in

? though.. ive been asking around... how long does it take to pend review

its taking 4eve