Racism In A Lesson Before Dying

In the novel A Lesson Before Dying, Ernest J. Gaines emphasizes upon the place of a negro. In the time period in which the novel takes place, people of colour are viewed as lesser beings, and are continuously treated unjustly.Gaines provides the reader with an opportunity to consider the racist antics of the time period, through the challenges that Grant faces.
Throughout the novel, the racism of the time is revealed through Grant and Miss Emma’s actions. In the novel, during his conversation with the superintendent of the schools, Grant attempts to ask Mr. Joseph a question about the materials that he is provided with. Mr. Joseph responds, “‘Are you questioning me, Higgins?’”, which incites Grant’s reply of, “‘No sir, Dr. Joseph…’”(Gaines 57). This exemplifies the understanding of societal role that Grant has developed. In the minds of
Grant has learned to accept this place, and wants to retain the little respect he has earned by being educated. Later, when he and Miss Emma enter the prison, and Miss Emma asks the deputy how Jefferson was faring in the prison environment, he responds, “‘Quiet,’” (Gaines 69). Miss Emma, believing that he was silencing her, replies, “‘Yes, sir,’” (69). The deputy Paul realises that she misread his response although he was truly answering her question. This shows the compliancy that was expected in negroes in this time period. They could either obey, or be treated even worse than they initially were. Early on in the novel, it is shown that Grant does not teach the skills that he believes that the children should learn. He only teaches “...what the white folks around here tell me to teach…” (13) because he knows that he will be acted against if he tries to break the