61 pages • 2 hours read
Ernest J. GainesA Lesson Before Dying
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1993A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Symbols & Motifs
Hog
The hog symbolizes the historical and systemic dehumanization of Black people by white people. The hog is a common animal raised on the farms in rural Louisiana. The hog is not a thinking creature and exists exclusively as a food source for the community. In the opening scene of the novel, Jefferson’s own attorney argues that the all-white jury should view Jefferson like a “hog” and not a man. The comparison dehumanizes Jefferson and feeds the stereotypes the white men already have about Black people in general. To view Jefferson as a hog is to deny his humanity and validate the stereotype that Black people are not fully “people” at all. Somehow, Grant must find a way to prove to Jefferson that despite how he is being treated, he is not an animal but a man.
Flags
The flags fly over the courthouse and serve as a symbol of the former confederacy, white supremacy, and the characterization of the “justice” system. Despite slavery and reconstruction being over, the flags demonstrate that the culture of white supremacy remains: The flags proclaim that no Black man will find justice here. Every time Grant visits Jefferson, he must pass under those flags and then be searched like a “common criminal.”
Butterfly
The butterfly symbolizes transformation and rebirth. When Grant is sitting alone under a big tree on the day of Jefferson’s execution, a lone yellow butterfly lands in front of him and rests for a few moments on around of bull grass. Grant wonders why the butterfly would choose to rest on a plant that had nothing to offer, and he realizes that the execution must now be over. For Grant, the butterfly seems a direct message from Jefferson, who is finally free.
Jefferson
Jefferson himself is arguably a symbol of Christ in this story. There are many direct comparisons between the two, and multiple references to the cross. Jefferson is unjustly persecuted and jailed. Jefferson, like Christ, must be sacrificed for the greater good of the society. Jefferson dies to free his people of their burdens and bring about a recognition of their humanity. Jefferson’s death transforms Paul Bonin, a white deputy who is inspired to suddenly drive to the quarter for the first time and formally befriends Grant.
Paul
Paul Bonin functions as a symbol of white redemption. Paul, having been complicit in the unjust persecution of many men in the town, is now transformed by the death of Jefferson and commits to an authentic friendship with Grant across racial lines, and even drives into the quarter for the first time to tell Grant that Jefferson definitely died a man. Paul Bonin mirrors the apostle Paul, who was complicit in the persecution of Christ, but then witnessed his death and was transformed into a true disciple of his teachings.
Food
Food is a motif in this story. The food in this book represents the culinary traditions of the African American community in the South. Such dishes include cornbread, gumbo, okra, biscuits, and chicken among many others. There is the food that Grant’s aunt makes for him every day and leaves for him to heat up later. There is the food prepared by Thelma Claiborne at the Rainbow Club, and there is the regular food basket that Miss Emma prepares for each visit to Jefferson. Miss Emma always made enough to feed the entire cell block. Women prepare the food, and they do not take kindly to any man who lets their food grow cold or go to waste. If there are visitors to a home, there is cake and coffee. Food is how the women show that they love someone, care about them, and want to comfort them.
Looking Versus Seeing
Throughout the novel, there are instances of people refusing to “look,” “looking” but not “seeing,” and finally, “looking and seeing.” This motif follows the feelings of invisibility and inconsequence that often accompany people who feel powerless to control their circumstances. Jefferson is often described as looking at the wall instead of his visitors. Grant’s aunt often looks through him when she is angry with him. In the beginning, it is Jefferson who will not look at or see anyone. The turning point in the story is when he finally looks at Grant and asks him to thank the children for the pecans. As the day of Jefferson’s execution grows closer, Jefferson shows a new effort to really look and see things, and it is Grant who can no longer meet his gaze. Grant doesn’t attend the execution because he doesn’t want to see it. He can’t stay at the school when his students are on their knees waiting because he can’t stand to see it. But he can see the yellow butterfly that lands in front of him when he is waiting for word of Jefferson’s death. The last line of the novel describes how Grant returns to the school, faces his students, and cries.
Related Titles
By Ernest J. Gaines
