The theme of A Lesson Before Dying is hope and determination. Grant is trying to find the motivation to help Jefferson find himself. In the process of helping Jefferson, Grant begins to discover himself and his aspirations in life. Grant is determined to help Jefferson see he is a human and worth something. Jefferson starts to believe him and that gives him motivation.Grant eventually overcomes his own insecurities to get through to Jefferson while helping himself. Grant is going through his own obstacles, but he gets through them by helping Jefferson, which benefits both people. Jefferson is going through his hard time because of racial stereotypes. Grant can relate to that because of his own struggles when going through his