"A Lesson Before Dying" by Ernest J. Gaines - speech

First and foremost, I will familiarize you with the characters in the novel: - Jefferson, a twenty-one-year-old uneducated black field worker condemned to die after being innocently involved in an armed robbery and shooting. - Alcee Grope, the white storekeeper killed during the attempted robbery. - Brother and Bear, two young black men killed while attempting to rob Alcee Grope's store - Miss Emma, Jefferson's godmother, she is determined that Jefferson will die with dignity …

…represent much more than an ordinary death. Elated by Jefferson's progress, Grant nevertheless cannot bring himself to attend the execution, for he has grown very close to him. That day arrived. A deputy comes down from the courthouse and informs Grant that the execution is over. He assures Grant that Jefferson was the bravest man in the room that morning. Grant looks out over the town, numb and heavyhearted, and discovers that his is crying.