A Lesson Before Dying Journal #1

Rachel Simmons

Mrs. Myers

APE, Per 4

10/19/14

Chapters 4-7

       To answer your final question, Ashley, I think that Grant’s aunt and Miss Emma used to work for Mr. Henri. As maids or workers they would most likely have to use the back door of the house in order to keep it from looking like they were a part of that lifestyle. The rich, white family most likely did not want poor African-Americans coming in and out of their front door where everyone could see them. It was a sign of being lower in class and society. Therefore, now that none of them work for the family any more they want to always use the front door to show that they are equal and are not ashamed to enter in the front door. I hope that this somewhat answers your question.

       Also, to address your second question, in chapter 4 Grant when talking to his girlfriend, Vivian, mentions that his parents live in California just as he did before. I assume that in California he had more opportunities to be educated and as a teacher he must have a solid education.

       The last few chapters have been quite interesting. The writer describes in detail Grant’s life. First, we are introduced to Vivian, Grant’s lover who is in the process of a divorce so she can remarry him. Their relationship is very beautiful and the reader can tell that they truly love one another. Later on, Grant’s job is given more light. He has no passions for teaching. The writer says, “each day I listened for a moment, then turned if off and planned the rest on the day” (34). His lack of interest in teaching appalls me. The book said that he had been teaching for 6 years. To be stuck in a place or job that you hate for that long would disgust me and I would never stay. What do you think is keeping him in this place of complacency and doing something he does not enjoy? What impact is this having on the kids?

         In addition, religion plays a huge role in his teaching at the time. For example, all of the students had to recite a bible verse and his school is in a church. Religion is all around him, but what role does it play personally in Grant’s life? To me he seems indifferent to it. What do you think?