Questions and Answers
What is the name of the defendant?
Jefferson
On what day is the trial held?
Friday
For what is he on trial?
Murder and robbery
On what day is sentencing held?
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What is the verdict?
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What is the sentence?
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Contrast the portrait that is painted of Jefferson. How does the prosecution present him and how does the defense present him?
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Who is the narrator?
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What is his occupation?
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Who are the two women?
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What do they want Grant to do?
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Why do they need permission from the sheriff for what they want Grant to do?
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Why does Grant say that Jefferson is already dead?
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Why does Grant not want to go to Mr. Henri's house?
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What color is Henri?
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What color is the narrator?
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Study Notes
Main Characters and Entities
- Jefferson is the defendant in a murder and robbery trial.
- Grant Wiggins serves as the narrator and is a teacher at the only black school in the area.
- Miss Emma Glenn (Nannan), Jefferson's grandmother, and Grant's Tante Lou are prominent figures advocating for Jefferson.
Trial Details
- The trial occurs on a Friday.
- Jefferson is sentenced on the following Monday.
- The verdict is guilty, leading to a sentence of death by electrocution.
Defense and Prosecution Perspectives
- The defense argues Jefferson lacks the intelligence to fully comprehend his actions, equating his death to that of a hog.
- The prosecution asserts that Jefferson committed murder and robbery with intent, highlighting a stark contrast in their portrayals.
Context and Perspective
- Grant narrates the initial chapters, providing his insights on the trial and its implications.
- Grant expresses a cynical view, stating Jefferson is already dead in spirit due to the systemic lack of hope for black men accused in racially charged cases.
- The sheriff's permission is necessary for Grant to visit Jefferson, representing institutional barriers faced by those attempting to help.
Social Commentary
- Grant resents the notion of needing to enter through the backdoor at Mr. Henri's house, symbolizing the social status and race dynamics at play.
- The disparities between the races are evident, with Grant reflecting on his education and the expectation of his social position as a black man.
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Description
Test your knowledge of the first two chapters of 'A Lesson Before Dying' with this flashcard quiz. Review key details such as the defendant's name, trial dates, and verdict. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding of the text.
