The impact of prejudice on individual identity from "summary" of A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines
The weight of prejudice bears down heavily on the characters in "A Lesson Before Dying", shaping their individual identities in profound ways. Jefferson, a young black man wrongly accused of a crime, is dehumanized by the racist beliefs of the white community. He is stripped of his dignity and self-worth, reduced to a "hog" in the eyes of the society that condemns him. This dehumanization not only affects Jefferson's outward behavior, but also erodes his sense of self, leaving him feeling unworthy and insignificant. Similarly, Grant Wiggins, the novel's protagonist, grapples with the impact of prejudice on his own identity. As an educated black man in a segregated society, Grant struggles to find his place in a world that devalues his intelligence and potential. The oppressive forces of racism chip away at his self-confidence, leaving him disillusioned and disconnected from his own identity. Grant's inner turmoil reflects the insidious nature of prejudice, which not only shapes external perceptions but also undermines indivi...
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