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A Lesson Before Dying - Term Papers

A Lesson Before Dying

Effects on Religious Beliefs and Human Dignity
Throughout history, it has been proven that the environment
around us reflects on what we believe and how we act around others. In the novel by Ernest J. Gaines this aspect is strongly stressed throughout. Jefferson, the character that Gaines creates for us, is not only stripped of his human dignity but is also confused about the existence of God and heaven. His attorney, Reverend Ambrose, and Grant Wiggins all reflect Jefferson's change in behavior, and how he views his religion.
At Jefferson's trial his attorney tries to win the case by simply relating him to a hog, and a thing that cannot make intelligent decisions. By saying this he ...

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it as if he were a hog. He does this, because of the attorney's rash, insensitive and cruel remarks. This event marks the beginning of Jefferson's decline of self-respect and gradually decreases his belief in heaven and God. With the help of Grant, his beliefs are slowly altered and his self-worth is steadily improved.

"For the Reverend Ambrose, what matters is not whether Jefferson affirms his human dignity but whether he finds salvation" (Kenny 683). The fact that the Reverend doesn't care about Jefferson's dignity makes Grant's task even more difficult. The Reverend's attempts to show Jefferson that all he needs in life and in death is God only adds to his confusion. Grant and the Reverend argue about their own beliefs and this puzzles Jefferson. He doesn't understand what he should, and what he should not believe. However, as the novel progresses and begins to come to a close, Grant and the Reverend's strives to help Jefferson in their own ways, results in him finding ...

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PAPER DETAILS

Added: 11/1/2007 03:34:33 PM
Category: English
Type: Premium Paper
Words: 802
Pages: 3

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