Grant and Jefferson Author Ernest J Gaines explores the consciences of two young black men living in the Jim Crow south in his novel, A Lesson Before Dying. Jefferson, a barely literate and poor man, is caught at the scene of a liquor store shoot out. Although innocent, having been at the wrong place at the wrong time earns him a seat in the electric chair. His defense attorney does not do much to prevent …showed first 75 words of 1275 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1275 total…He knows he’s no hog. He is a young man who loves and is loved by many. With out Grant’s persistence, he might never have realized this. Both Grant and Jefferson embody the essence of true heroism. Grant helped to save a soul, and Jefferson stood tall as he approached the electric chair. Although they seem like an unusual duo, Jefferson and Grant taught each other valuable lessons – lessons before dying. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **Bibliography**