Discussion led by scholar Margaret Bauer Join us Thursday, Feb 8th @ 6:00 pm for discussion!
A Lesson Before Dying is Ernest Gaines's eight novel. Jefferson, a young black man, is an unwitting party to a liquor store shoot out in which three men are killed. He is convicted of murder and sentenced to death. A strange bond is created between Jefferson and Grant Williams, a teacher who is struggling with his place and purpose, when he is convinced by relatives to visit Jefferson in prison. As the friendship grows between Jefferson and Williams, the characters struggle with the question of death, dignity, and living life the fullest in the time you have.
The character Jefferson is based on the true story of Willie Francis, who was sentenced to death by the electric chair twice in Louisiana, in 1945 and 1947.
If you are interested in finding out more about Willie Francis click on the link below:
http://murderpedia.org/male.F/f/francis-willie.htm
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