"A Lesson Before Dying" question?

Question

I need help with a few homework questions:

1. In what way does the word "hog" affect the plot of the story?

2. What lesson must Jefferson learn before dying?

3. Who is asked to teach him this lesson and why is this person reluctant?

4. Why is Jefferson sentenced to die?

Answer 1

in point-form:

1. Hog comments: reveals the prevalent Southern stereotype that black men aresomehow more than animals, but
less than men. the word affects the plot because it is about the transformation of Jefferson who initially believes to be a hig, acts like one, but dies like a man. hog is the word given to a sheep before it reaches 1 yrs of age - prior to being useful for shearing - hence the symbolic outlook that whilst Jefferson considers himself a hig, he is of no use to anyone - after the transformation that is when his presence is felt and he actually dies having achieved something much greater than any human/animal

2. Jefferson must learn to be a man meaning - the white man can no longer punish him for standing tall and proud, he is freer than Grant, who must still seek the approval of white society in order to maintain his position as schoolteacher.The lesson also addresses religion and education. The entire quarter is united each Sunday to worship God while Grant, the only educated one, isolates himself by refusing to attend. In addition, Grant’s university degree does not provide any of the answer’s he’s looking for - such as how a man should live. He remains in a state of ignorance because he does not know himself, nor does he understand his people and therefore thats the irony / jefferson is free and grant is not.

3. Grant because he is unhappy with his life for different reasons + the degradation he feels. He has a university degree and teaches the black school in town. But He hates this town, he hates teaching, and he feels like he’s running in place. He tells his Aunt he plans on going “to Bayonne where I can breathe...I can’t breathe here.” (Page 14). He feels trapped, both by the racism that exists in his community and by the expectations of his aunt. he’s so aggravated about helping Jefferson - he doesn’t believe himself capable of making a difference in what’s left of Jefferson’s life. When he talks with Vivian about Jefferson, he admits, “I’m still trying to figure out how a man should live. Am I supposed to tell someone how to die who has never lived?” (Page 31) Grant recognizes that Jefferson has never lived with much dignity, how can he die that way? If Grant is expected to help Jefferson find meaning in life, he’s going to have to find some meaning in his own life first.At first he is dismissive of the idea that his visits to Jefferson will benefit anyone, least of all himself. He accepts Mathew Antoine’s fatalist attitude that, as a teacher you do as much as you can, but in the end it won’t matter. He visits Jefferson out of a sense of duty to his aunt. During the course of their visits, however, Grant watches this philosophy crumble as Jefferson undergoes a remarkable transformation. At the conclusion, Grant has undergone a conversion process to the idea of individualism. If Jefferson can change himself from a ‘hog’ to the bravest man in the execution room, Grant can change his own life. If he made a difference to a convict on death row, perhaps he can make a difference to his students. Ironically, Grant’s search for the nature of life finds meaningful answers in preparing for Jefferson’s death

“I still don’t even know if the sheriff will let me see him. And suppose he did; what then? What do I say to him? Do I know what a man is? Do I know how a man is supposed to die? I’m still trying to find out how a man should live. Am I supposed to tell someone how to die who has never lived?” (Page 31)

Grant talks with Vivian about his Aunt’s proposal that he visit Jefferson and try to make him into a man before his execution. The quote speaks to Grant’s own insecurities that, despite his education and teaching job, he understands no more about finding meaning in life than anyone else in the black community

4. he must die for the execution is as an opportunity for defiance, to show white men that blacks are capable of acting with dignity and self-respect, even in such a dark hour, contrary to jeffersons belief [acting like an animal]. he must die for otherwise Grant would not know what he does: “My eyes were closed before this moment, Jefferson. My eyes have been closed all my life” he is in the final stage of his conversion process. Grant sees him as a Savior-figure. If he manages to bear his cross with dignity, Jefferson can provide a form of salvation. He can give them something they’ve never had, something they could not achieve on their own - pride in their race and in themselves. he must die to open Grants eyes that he can do something to change the way life as he knows it.when Grant watches Jefferson transform into someone who can go heroically to the chair, he realizes he can also make changes and defy what is expected of him.

he dies for : Fatalism vs. Individualism; Heroism; Education; Religion

Answer 2

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RE:
"A Lesson Before Dying" question?
I need help with a few homework questions:

1. In what way does the word "hog" affect the plot of the story?

2. What lesson must Jefferson learn before dying?

3. Who is asked to teach him this lesson and why is this person reluctant?

4. Why is Jefferson sentenced to die?

Answer 3

A chill grows near you're faced with fear a darkened day you'll see it clear your shadows call while you stand tall watch before me while you fall Times are changing, rearranging where's the answer we've all been looking for transient dreaming do you believe in I am the answer to it all where are you heading to time will tell to a destiny that fate knows well so fly away Victim of the silence - wipe the cob - webs from your eyes beware the season - the lies, the treason, the pain You're running in reverse now - while struggling to break free the path you strayed from can only lead to dismay Living a timeless tale Behold the truth unveiled Passion and glory fill my heart Knowing my fate Nightmare of fantasy Untrue reality Learning the lesson as we fight to stay alive Awakened by the thunder - crashing conscience through your mind persistent voices - all evils call out your name Tears can break the silence - let your doubts and fears be heard You're releasing inned peace from your soul Marching on staff in hand falling into darkness carry on through the endless nights calling Living a timeless tale Behold the truth unveiled Passion and glory fill my heart Knowing my fate Nightmare of fantasy Untrue reality Learning the lesson as we fight to stay alive Crying downs your doubts and fears they say that time just might heal the wounds of love it replaces shattered traces of dispair looking out through all the years they say that time just might heal the wounds of love it replaces Love will light the darkness there bringing some hope into view it replaces the nameless faces of loneliness that you once knew Marching on staff in hand falling into darkness carry on through the endless nights calling Living a timeless tale Behold the truth unveiled Passion and glory fill my heart Knowing my fate Nightmare of fantasy Untrue reality Learning the lesson as we fight to stay alive

Answer 4

1. Jefferson the murderer is basically refferred to as being no better than a Hog.

2. He learns to be a man (instead of a hog)

3. A teacher

4. Wrongfully accused of murder

Hope I helped...but you should read the book....buddy

Answer 5

If you don't konw the answer to No. 4, you haven't read the book. Doing that will be the biggest help to you.

Answer 6

who is with jefferson when he dies?