Chapter 2 Foster Journal

The novel “A Lesson Before Dying” by Ernest J. Gaines uses the concept of sharing a meal as a motif; communion is seen multiple times. Three of the stories characters, Miss Emma, Grant, and Tante Lou, spend their time to console Jefferson, who has been sentenced to death. Throughout the story, they bring food to Jefferson as a way to connect with him. First Grant offers Jefferson food and he rejects it. This elicits an angry response by Grant, and he implores Jefferson to take the food as to show love for his family (Miss Emma being his godmother). Both grant and Jefferson recognize the importance of accepting or rejecting a meal and use it as leverage to make an emotional point. Jefferson shows he is not at peace, and Grant is angry at the negative relationship it could imply. Later on in the story, Jefferson offers Food to Grant. This is a complete turnaround in emotional states, as Jefferson wants to show his appreciation to Grant for helping him through tough times.