Everyone has to go through change. As we grow older, our maturity increases. Most never get a chance to learn important life lessons. In A Lesson Before Dying the main lesson is that we can never stop learning and growing. Before dying, the most important thing to remember is that we are all capable of changing, learning, growing, and seeing things in a different way.
Jefferson’s characters arguably underwent the greatest “change” of anyone in the novel. This character is true to that important lesson, which we should all learn before our death. Jefferson’s sentencing is justified as he isn’t considered a human. The idea that “Jefferson is a hog” dehumanizes him. This allows people to think he is not worthy of death, while also making it more acceptable to accept it. Grant is told by the sheriff that he would rather see a happy hog in that chair, than one who was agitated. (41, Gaines). The sheriff believes that “there’s not a single thing that you can do to that skull.” (41, Gaines). This society, dominated by whites, sentences Jefferson’s death because it believes people like him can’t think higher thoughts or change. Grant’s guidance and help has helped Jefferson change. Grant’s teachings give Jefferson a wider understanding of life and himself. Jefferson thought his identity was fixed and that he couldn’t change the expectations of society as a Black man. Jefferson’s criminal past shows this, as he did not actively assault/rob the store. It was not his crime to commit, but by committing it he demonstrated that he didn’t believe he could change. Grant teaches about the human capacity to change and grow. “Jefferson, we’re all drifting wood until we, each of us individually, decide to become something different.” (158, Gaines). Jefferson realizes that he has the ability to grow and change. Jefferson shows this by writing that “Man walk with two feet; hogs have four hooves.” (180 Gaines). Grant understands Jefferson’s feelings and thoughts through what he has read: “tell them I am strong, tell them I am a man. Good bye Mr. Wigin.” (190). Jefferson has become a man by requesting Paul pass on this message. This is confirmed in Paul’s statement that Jefferson “was the strongest man” in the room. He realizes the importance of letting the black community know he’s a man and that his death is not merely what a white man called him.
Grant is yet another character that has recognized the importance this lesson. Jefferson teaches him humans can change and so do we. Grant tells Jefferson that he could be a hero by giving him a speech on what a true hero is. Although he didn’t understand, something in him was moved, because he continued to cry. Although I’m a lowly member of society, I still cry because I know that I’m part of it. Gaines asks, “Is this what he thought as he watched me cry?” (158), demonstrating that Jefferson realized he wasn’t just a hog. He could improve himself before his death and become better than white men who had condemned him. Grant had transformed from being a cynical pessimist to a man who believed in Jefferson with his whole heart. As a result of seeing how much he can influence one person’s life, he realizes that, in fact, it might be possible to change the lives and futures of his students. As he was able to assist Jefferson, he may also be able help these students. Grant was able to shed his cynicism by following Jefferson’s example. He also developed a stronger relationship with the community and family that he used to resent. Grant, unaware of the change he had experienced, also learned a valuable lesson. Both Grant and his wife learn the importance of growth.
Paul, the deputy sheriff, didn’t undergo any big metamorphosis/changes over the course of the novel, but, he was an active participant in the change and growth of Jefferson. He supported Grant in his efforts to help Jefferson “become an adult” and believed that Jefferson could do it. He wanted Grant to know about Grant’s status, so he offered to bring in a stereo to distract Jefferson. He looked me in the eye as if to say that I was lying, but I saw on his face a desire to believe. (141, Gaines). Paul was the only character of color to admit the truth and offer any help he could. Paul was the Messenger for Jefferson’s martyrdom, and he sent Grant his message by saying: “He was Grant Wiggins the strongest in that room of people,” Paul said. “He is, he is. I’m saying this not to make your feel better, not to soothe your pain. Harry Williams, or the preacher. He was there. We were all standing together at a distance of no more than 6-8 feet from the chair. We had each on the other. Grant Wiggins walked straight when Vincent asked if he wanted to leave any final words. Straight he went. I’m the witness. Gaines, 202). Paul, an African-American man like the men who had put Jefferson into this situation, was one last person to witness Jefferson dying as a human being.
Everyone experiences change. It’s a reality. It can either be upsetting or welcome. Jefferson, Grant Wiggins or Paul Bonin each have witnessed and experienced something that is important to learn during their lifetime. Each of them had an important role to play in the rapid growth that each had experienced during their brief time together. Jefferson and Grant’s relationship was more profound, but Paul also had a great impact. Human growth is the most important thing anyone can learn.
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