Sept.22,2009
Terry
Jefferson, in A Lesson Before Dying
In the first chapter of A Lesson Before Dying, Jefferson is a young black man who is simply caught in
the wrong place at the wrong time. Jefferson is portrayed as an individual who is struggling witth low-income
issues. Throughout the chapter, Jefferson shos clear signs of low intelligance. He hsa many self esteem issues
as well. As a grown man, he is also still living with family.
Jefferson's character certainly appears to be lacking any commen sense or intellegence. He is offered
a ride, but declines just to accept the ride. While riding and listing to Brothe and Bear;s cnversation, he still does
not understand the situation he is about to ecome involved in. He shows no sense of direction to leave the
situationwhen one arises. Jeffersons lack of intellegence brings him down in a society of despair.
Lacking intelegence, job opportunities must be at a low for him as well. It was stated that he was
walking down the street, unable to afford a car. When asked if he had any money, he stated"not a dime".
Jefferson entered the store, knowing he had no money. When Brother and Bear shot the owner, Jefferson
simply took the money because he feared he had to run, and he would need it.
Jefferson, also in my opinion, displays low self esteem. He is in search of any companionship
regardless of the circumstances. Also with his knowledge of a problem possibly occuring, he remained with
Brother and Bear. Still trying to fit in he remained in the store during the incident. Having low self esteem,
Jefferson felt he should run instead of standing up for his rights when the police arrived.
As a young black unintellegent man who has low self esteem and no financialfuture, Jefferson is referd
to as a "hog". In my opion, Jefferson is simply struggling at this time in his life. He is living in an era where it is
har for a black man to survive. He has been faced with many trials and errors. Yet the decisions he continues to
make will only make his life better or worse.
For what purpose have you written this? What have you been asked to produce? I ask because you jump right into a synopsis of the plot and then give a brief response. If you've just been asked to give a response, that's fine, but if this is supposed to be an essay, then you will need an introduction and conclusion, along with a clear thesis (main point).
