The power of dignity and selfrespect from "summary" of A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines
The power of dignity and self-respect is a central theme in the novel "A Lesson Before Dying" by Ernest J. Gaines. Throughout the story, we see how the characters struggle to maintain their sense of dignity in a society that constantly seeks to strip them of their humanity. Jefferson, a young black man wrongfully accused of murder, is faced with the ultimate challenge of reclaiming his dignity in the face of imminent execution. As Jefferson awaits his fate on death row, he is subjected to dehumanizing treatment by the white community. They refer to him as a "hog" and believe that he is not even capable of understanding the concept of dignity. However, through the guidance of his teacher Grant Wiggins, Jefferson begins to understand that true dignity comes from within. Despite the circumstances, Jefferson learns to stand tall and assert his worth as a human being. Grant himself struggles with his own sense of self-respect throughout the novel. As a black man living in a racially segregated society, Grant constantly faces discrimination and disrespect from the white commun...
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