The Influence In Ernest J. Gaines A Lesson Before Dying

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Labels are nothing more than mere words. Ernest J. Gaines is the author of the well-respected and award winning novel, A Lesson Before Dying. Gaines was born in 1933 on a Louisiana plantation where he resided until the age of fifteen. A majority of the setting in Gaines novels are set from this plantation. Gaines biggest influence overall as a person was because of his Aunt and all she did for them. Gaines’ Aunt had overcome more problems than any character he has ever fathomed (Allen 4). Gaines’ Aunt influenced him not only as a man, but also a writer. Gaines’ Aunt spent every day of her life crippled, as far as most could remember, and never let that stop her from completing daily tasks and living her life. In the novel A Lesson Before Dying …show more content…
This bond leads to the realization that these names are only words and not worth what they are led to think. In Jefferson’s diary he admits that Grant is the only person he has truly ever liked or cared about. This bond aids in the realization for Jefferson that he is a man and not a hog. Grant began to befriend Jefferson rather than reluctantly teaching him. At the start of their meetings Grant goes to see Jefferson because he is forced to, while towards the end these arrangements occur since both men desire that they do. Grant would have remained passive about conversations involving Jefferson towards the start of their meetings, while near the end Grant stands up for Jefferson such as the fight that broke out at the bar. With the label of Professor, Grant is expected to teach. However, instead of Grant being the one to teach Jefferson, he also learned from Jefferson.

Grant Wiggins and Jefferson, who create a special bond, show how the labels designated for people mean nothing. This connection offers a lesson to those willing to listen. Words can affect almost anyone who is willing to listen to them. Sometimes in order to surpass these labels another individual is needed to support them through the process. The words used to describe another individual mean nothing in
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