A Lesson Before Dying is the story of the trial of Jefferson, an innocent man convicted of murder on the sole basis of his black heritage. Set in Louisiana during the racial tensions of the 1940s, the story chronicles Jefferson's trial and execution and their impact on the people surrounding the man himself. The novel's tone ranges from broadly cynical to vibrantly hopeful, encompassing the spirit of racial politics in America throughout the twentieth century.
In the novel A Lesson Before Dying By Ernest Gaines the main character Grant Wiggins gives a man meaning in his last days alive Wiggins gives him a book to write his thoughts in and helps him to realize that he is not a hog He shows him that he is truly a good person and that he should die with his head up knowing that he led a worthy and honest life Mr Wiggins changed greatly through the story from a cold school teacher to an open hearted and caring man This helped his relationship with others