Character Analysis in 'A Lesson Before Dying'

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Questions and Answers

Describe an instance in which Grant demonstrates the character trait pride.

Grant displayed pride while in the kitchen not wanting to eat because he had to enter the back door, feeling humiliated.

Explain why Inez grows increasingly agitated as Grant waits in the kitchen, and list the means by which she attempts to assuage him.

Inez grows agitated because she knows the white men are routing for Grant to fail and she tries to offer him drinks and a seat.

Using textual evidence, explain how Pichot, Guidry, and/or Rougon regard their encounter with Grant as humorous.

They found it amusing and made faces while talking to Grant, implying that the bet was going their way.

Using textual evidence, describe the internal conflict Grant experiences in this chapter.

Grant struggles with when to use his college intellect and proper grammar, wanting to assert his education. Signup and view all the answers

Using textual evidence, explain how Henri Pichot's demeanor has changed from the initial meeting to this one.

Henri was initially dismissive but appeared more sympathetic this time, looking tired and acknowledging Miss Emma's services. Signup and view all the answers

Using textual evidence, describe an instance in which Grant demonstrates the character trait defiance.

Grant showed defiance by refusing to eat at Henri Pichot's kitchen table despite being hungry. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the revelation that Grant has as Dr. Joseph is leaving.

Grant realizes Dr. Joseph views them like slaves, and he feels disappointment for putting on a facade. Signup and view all the answers

Using textual evidence, explain how Dr. Joseph does not value the education of Black children.

Dr. Joseph believes that work in the fields is more valuable than education, questioning the children's desires for learning. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how Dr. Joseph's inspection of the students is reminiscent of slave or livestock purchase.

He inspects students' teeth and hands similar to how slaves were checked before purchase, reflecting dehumanization. Signup and view all the answers

Using textual evidence, explain how colorism is highlighted in chapter eight.

Grant describes Henry Lewis, a dark-skinned man, harshly compared to how he describes a lighter-skinned man. Signup and view all the answers

Identify and explain the ways in which Grant has become Matthew Antoine.

Grant realizes he has adopted Matthew Antoine's critical attitude towards his students, feeling a sense of self-hatred. Signup and view all the answers

Using textual evidence, explain how Matthew Antoine's ideations of his students cultivated the fear that Grant currently has for his.

Matthew Antoine instilled fear about the violent futures of students, leading Grant to feel hopeless about their prospects. Signup and view all the answers

Explain what Matthew Antoine means when he states, 'Good, good you want to learn?... here is the burden.'

He suggests that wanting to learn comes with the heavy weight of social indifference and dangers as Black youths. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the generational cycle that seems to be present amongst the Black families on the plantation.

Most Black families work on the plantation, rarely leave, and do not receive an education, perpetuating the cycle. Signup and view all the answers

Using textual evidence, compare Grant's reaction to Inez crying in Chapter 6 to Miss Emma in Chapter 10.

Grant is sentimental towards Inez's tears about his situation but indifferent to Miss Emma's tears due to anger. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the visit between Grant, Miss Emma, and Jefferson.

The visit is emotional as they confront Jefferson's impending fate, with Miss Emma trying to maintain composure. Signup and view all the answers

Infer why Miss Emma refers to the other inmates as 'children.'

Miss Emma sees the young inmates as children and identifies traits of Jefferson in them. Signup and view all the answers

Using textual evidence, explain the revelation that Grant comes to regarding Miss Emma and Tante Lou.

Grant realizes Miss Emma and Tante Lou planned for him to face Jefferson alone, believing this was necessary. Signup and view all the answers

Using textual evidence, explain how Grant's narcissism affects Miss Emma.

Miss Emma pretends to be sick to avoid visiting Jefferson, possibly due to Grant's self-centered attitude. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Character Traits of Grant

Pride exhibited through refusal to eat at Henri Pichot's kitchen table, perceiving it as a humiliation.
Defiance shown when choosing not to eat, despite hunger, maintaining his dignity.

Agitation and Comfort

Inez grows anxious as Grant waits in the kitchen, aware of the odds against him; attempts to comfort him with drinks and a seat.

Perception of Humor

Pichot and Guidry find humor in Grant’s struggle to gain access to Jefferson, mocking him while underestimating his awareness of their condescension.

Internal Conflict

Grant wrestles with using his education appropriately; he consciously chooses to use proper grammar to assert his identity as an educated Black man.

Change in Demeanor

Henri Pichot's attitude shifts from dismissive to sympathetic, influenced by Miss Emma's longstanding service to his family.

Disrespect for Education

Dr. Joseph shows a disdain for the education of Black children, valuing labor over learning, and suggests they could better serve by working in the fields.

Dehumanization

Dr. Joseph’s inspection of the students parallels the examination of slaves, emphasizing their lack of value and humanity.

Colorism

Grant's harsher description of Henri Lewis highlights colorism, contrasting with the more compassionate portrayal of a lighter-skinned individual.

Influence of Matthew Antoine

Grant recognizes that he is adopting the cynical and critical behaviors of Matthew Antoine, reflecting on the impact of shame and anger toward his students.

Fear Instilled by Antoine

Antoine's bleak predictions about the students’ futures haunt Grant, creating a cycle of hopelessness.

Burden of Learning

Antoine suggests that the pursuit of knowledge carries the heavy burden of societal indifference and racism.

Generational Cycle

The continuation of low education and hard labor among Black families perpetuates a cycle of poverty and limited opportunities.

Emotional Reactions

Grant is more affected by Inez’s tears, stemming from the pressure of expectations, compared to his indifference to Miss Emma’s crying, as he feels frustration towards her.

Visit to Jefferson

The visit is emotionally charged; Miss Emma attempts to engage with Jefferson, while Grant remains largely quiet, embodying different coping mechanisms.

Inmates as Children

Miss Emma refers to the inmates as "children," seeing their youthfulness and recognizing the shared humanity with Jefferson.

Strategic Isolation

Grant realizes that the women planned for him to visit Jefferson alone, believing their presence would hinder his efforts.

Narcissism's Impact

Grant’s self-absorption affects Miss Emma, suggesting she feigned illness to avoid visiting Jefferson, reflecting his lack of empathy and insight into her emotions.

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Description

This quiz explores the character traits and internal conflicts of Grant Wiggins in 'A Lesson Before Dying'. It examines themes of pride, dignity, and the societal perceptions of education among Black individuals. Dive into the nuances of Grant's struggle and interactions within his environment.