Symbolism In A Lesson Before Dying By Ernest Gaines

The delight of a novel is a delightful one that entertains and amuses readers. They want to read the whole book until they understand every word. The story of A Lesson Before Dying takes place in Bayonne, Louisiana in the 1940s. The heartwarming story of forgiveness, acceptance, and salvation is A Lesson before Dying. Earnest J. Gaines is a remarkable novelist who wrote A Lesson Prior to Dying. He is also one of those outgoing novels. Gaines’s storytelling is not only entertaining, but also enlightens. His use symbolism voice is a great way to keep the reader interested until the very end.

First, Gaines’s use of symbolism is a powerful tool for story telling. The hog is A Lesson Before Dying’s first and most popular symbol. Jefferson’s lawyer attempts to prove his innocence by criticizing Jefferson’s intelligence and dehumanizing him during the court hearing for the robbery. Jefferson’s lawyer claims that he can’t commit murder because of his lack of intelligence. Jefferson’s lawyer makes the remark, even though it is extremely disrespectful. This is another symbol. The author used the narrative about food to communicate love and attachment. Grant tells his aunt what he thought about eating out in town when he writes the novel. Jefferson is also in prison. Miss Emma, however, fetches Jefferson’s preferred cooking to show her affection and kindness. Miss Emma was devastated by Jefferson’s refusal of Jefferson to eat. This was even though she was trying positive things. Grant tells Jefferson one time to eat Miss Emma’s food to prove his admiration. Jefferson also uses food to symbolize love. He is sensitive to being called a hog and becomes more sensitive. He even refuses to eat. The novel shows him refusing to eat and telling them that it is for them. He realizes his own worth and accepts the moral outlook of his sympathic side.

This story ends with the last symbol, which is connected to Grant’s notebook that Jefferson receives after many unsuccessful attempts to establish communication channels through Miss Emma, Grant, or the Reverend Ambrose. He writes down all of his thoughts and feelings. He states that it looks like the Lord just works for white people (Gaines 186). Jefferson speaks out about prejudice but recognizes his purpose and his newfound pride. The journal also shows Grant’s friendship with Jefferson. Grant was eventually supported by Jefferson, who wrote to Grant. He showed that Grant had truly changed in the short time they were friends. These three stories, as Gaines illustrates, are a good example of how symbols can be used to tell a story.

Gaines is also a convincing narrator, who takes great care in how he uses his voice. Gaines employs voice in his writing. Gaines uses slang to describe a particular time in history. Gaines conveys the individual’s speech patterns. That chair belongs to a man. Mr. Henri (17). Gaines’ compelling storytelling style is also due to Gaines’ casual voice. The twenty-ninth and final chapter of Jefferson’s diary, which Grant corresponds to, is used to tell the story. Grant also passes on information from before Jefferson’s death. Gaines’ storytelling methods show his ability to use mixed and clever speech methods when writing.

Grant used metaphors to convey the story’s essence. This is his last method. Grant uses reiteration first. Jefferson says this to Grant during their first meeting. His eyes spoke. They were large brown eyes with reddish whites. His eyes mocked my face. Their eyes were large and brown, while the whites were too reddish (Gaines 59). The paradox is the last use of figurative rhetoric. Grant portrays Jefferson at his tribunal. Grant says that although he wasn’t there, he was there (Gaines 7, 7). Gaines uses a variety of complex and skilled gadgets to tell his story.

Summarising, Gaines ability to create a compelling and moving story through symbolism and voice, as well as other figurative speech tools, made it a remarkable and inspiring tale. A Lesson Before Dying’s narrative is a compelling and informative account of Gaines mind. It will captivate and move anyone who reads it.

Author

  • killiantrevino

    Killian Trevino is an educational blogger and school teacher who uses her blog to share her knowledge and experiences with her readers. She has a strong interest in teaching and sharing her knowledge with others, and her blog is a great way to do that.