During the trial, Jefferson’s lawyer tries to plea to the jury that they shouldn’t

The other major theme in the book is Religion. Religion is present throughout the entire book, but the unique thing about that is the fact that Grant, the main character, is not religious. This causes problems in the relationship between him and his aunt because his aunt is on the opposite side of the spectrum. She goes to church every week, prays everyday, and tries to have Grant do the same but doesn’t succeed. Grant is constantly rejecting the beliefs and views of Reverend Ambrose throughout the story, that is until the end of the story. A few hours before Jefferson is scheduled for execution, Grant’s whole perspective on religion does a complete turnaround. On page 249, Grant, talking about Reverand Ambrose, admits, “ I know now that that old man is much braver than I. I am not with you at this moment because- because I would not have been able to stand.” Grant is showing his admiration for Ambrose for the first time. He also continues to change his view of religion when he tells his class they need to pray. “We need to pray?” Louis Washington Jr., wanted to know. “Yes,” I told him. “But quietly, to yourself.” (Page 250) You can see that Grant has come a long way from the beginning of the story when he rejected all forms of religion to now when he is encouraging his students to pray.

Identity is a major theme that is present throughout the story. You see the Godmother of Jefferson, Miss Emma, continually worrying about not just her own identity, but that of her family name. She knows that she doesn’t have much time left to live, and Jefferson will be dead soon, but in the meantime sh

Some topics in this essay:
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