A Lesson before Dying | Themes
How the individual relates to society, in particular his own society and history, is the pervasive theme of A Lesson before Dying. Within that relationship are those of the individual to his elders, his family, the children in the community, the religious beliefs held by the community, and the segregation of the community. Gaines explores a social structure and the manner in which it teaches individuals to be civilized human beings. Gaines shows how Jefferson's selfesteem grows as he learns his place and worth in his community. The relationship between Grant and Jefferson, the...
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