introduction to a lesson before dying
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A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J.
GainesAn Introduction
The Author: Ernest J. Gaines
The Author: Ernest J. Gaines
The Author: Ernest J. Gaines
Fast Facts on the Author
He was born on a Louisiana plantation in 1933 during the Great Depression.
He was raised by his courageous Aunt Jefferson – perhaps the reason why the hero of the novel carries the same surname.
Gaines worked in the fields digging potatoes, just like the schoolchildren in this novel.
Fast Facts on the Author
At fifteen, his family moved to Vallejo, California where he discovered the public library, inspiring his love for literature and later passion for writing.
Many of his stories are based on memories from his own childhood.
Literary and Historical Background
While the novel takes place in the 1940’s, the novel was not written until 1993.
The story is fictional. However, it reflects the time period in a historically accurate way.Racism is entrenched.Jim Crow laws are in effect (continued until
1965)“Separate but equal.” upheld by the Supreme
court in Plessy vs. Ferguson in 1896There is tension between educated and
uneducated blacks, between light and dark-skinned blacks…
Major Themes and Motifs• Racism• Obligation• Redemption• What it means to be a hero• Captivity and Freedom
GhettopolyDiscuss the following:
You are the manager of the national chain store. The president of the company decides that all stores must sell the new board game “Ghettopoly.” Would you would protest the president’s decision, or proceed to sell the game?
Be sure to consider:• Does it make any difference whether the game was made
today versus back during the Jim Crow Years?• Does it matter whether or not the creator of the game was
black?• Does it matter who the company is targeting when
advertising the product? (i.e. who they expect to buy the game)
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