A Lesson Before Dying

Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines name-calling as the use of offensive names especially to win an argument or to induce rejection or condemnation (as of a person or project) without objective consideration of the facts. In the novel A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines, Jefferson is called a hog because of racial ignorance. The description of name-calling fits perfectly with the story line. Jefferson’s defense attorney calls him a hog to win the …

…ethnic groups. This was clearly stated when Paul stuck out his hand to Grant and asked to be his friend (255). I have to wonder if Paul would have been so open and friendly had the whole transformation never taken place. I interpreted Grant’s tears at the end as a sign of peace. They not only were tears of sorrow but I think he realized that there truly was a new understanding in the Quarter