According to Henrik Ibsen, "The strongest man in the world is he who stands most alone". In other words, what this quote means is that the strongest man is the most independent; individuals who do not need to rely on others. Individuals who stand alone are the ones who realize the strength within themselves and become powerful characters. This quote is valid because individuals who like to take actions on their own and accomplish their goals without caring about what any one has to say turn out to be the most successful. Two works of literature that support the validity of this statement are, A Lesson before Dying by Ernest Gaines and Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck proves this quote to be true through conflict and characterization. .
In A Lesson before Dying the author uses conflict to show that a man who is mostly by himself in a difficult situation is stronger alone then accompanied. In the novel the protagonist Grant, struggles to make a convicted black man named Jefferson to be a man before he is sentenced to death. The town that Grant's resides in is mostly dominated by white people. Most people in the town highly doubt Grant will be able to do this. With barley anyone on his side, Grant still managed to be brave and strong for himself and for Jefferson even with people trying to put him down. Throughout the book the author shows how Grant manages to change Jefferson but at a slow pace. Grant says "We looked at each other, and I could see in those big reddened eyes that he was not going to scream. He was full of anger - and who could blame him? But he was no fool. He needed me, and he wanted me here, if only to insult me" (130). Jefferson at one point is bothered by Grants visits because he is not used to people being kind to him at all. It is not something Jefferson appreciates, even with how rude Jefferson was acting towards Grant; Grant continued to show that he was not going to leave him anytime soon.
Book Review A Lesson Before Dying A Lesson Before Dying was written by Ernest J. Gaines. ... Ernest J. Gaines did a great job in writing this novel. ... One thing that Gaines does well in writing this novel is making it easy to read and understand. ...
A Lesson Before Dying, is a complex novel about life's various lessons. It was written by a Louisiana native, Ernest J. Gaines and published in 1993. ... I will show various ways Gaines help the reader to realize the real "lesson" to be learned. ... From this the reader will understand why Miss Emma's insistence that her godson die like a man is such a powerful issue. ...
While reading A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines, I came across several key points that reflect many of the arguments associated with these controversies. ... In A Lesson Before Dying, Jefferson's case took place in a time when blacks were not afforded equality in society and especially in the criminal justice system. ... Personally, when I read stories similar to A Lesson Before Dying I cannot help but question the use of the death penalty as a means for justice. ...
Ernest J. ... In his latest novel, A Lesson Before Dying, Gaines continues to assess these ideas. ... Ernest Gaines's novel, A Lesson Before Dying, begins as a teacher named Grant Wiggins is recalling a recent trial of a slow-witted man named Jefferson, who is being convicted of murder. ... The writings of Ernest J Gaines display his talent of relating the main themes through all facets of the stories. ... Ernest J. ...
A Lesson before Dying is one of the most popular novels released by Ernest J. ... Bravery is the most important lesson before dying. ... In A Lesson before Dying, Tante Lou demonstrates the most important lesson; bravery, through a couple of different ways. ... The author, Ernest J. ... The most important lesson before dying is bravery....
A Lesson Before Dying Outcome One: Text Response Part Two Topics Jefferson's life and death is a product of racism. ... The novel A Lesson Before Dying', written by Ernest J. Gaines, is set in 1948 in the old plantation, Deep South. ... All the characters in A Lesson Before Dying are motivated by a single word: "hog." ...
Grant has been sent by his family to teach Jefferson how to be a man before his day of execution. ... The notebook symbolizes the two men's friendship and in it, Jefferson writes about his newly-learned life lessons and fills the notebook with tender words to show the affection he feels towards Grant. ... Ernest J. Gaines depicts the change in both Jefferson and Grant in an outstanding way and imparts many life lessons for all of us to take to heart. ...
"A Lesson Before Dying" by Ernest J. Gaines takes place in the South, during the time of the Civil War as blacks started to gain there freedom. ... He said, " Do you know what his nannan wants me to do before they kill him?"... Wiggins and Jefferson both taught each other a lesson, Jefferson is a man and Wiggins could be a hero even doing the simplest task. Even thought Jefferson still dyed, he died a man. ...
