Theme Of Heroism In A Lesson Before Dying

Heroism Is In All of Us Heroism has been a great theme in the literature throughout the decades. Many have differing, or different ways of expressing what a hero actually is. Ernest Gaines, the author of A Lesson Before Dying has a very accurate definition of heroism. Ernest Gaines views heroism as the act of sacrifice one makes for the interest of others’, as an innate illogical desire in all humans, and that, as humans, we all have the capability to be heroes. To understand how Ernest Gaines’s viewpoint on heroism, we need first to understand what heroism is to Gaines. Heroism is widely known as great deeds of bravery, like saving someone’s life. However, Gaines’s definition of heroism is slightly broader. In A Lesson Before

Anyone, including the most ruthless people, have the potential of sacrificing themselves for others. Even Grant, in A Lesson Before Dying, who had no interest in doing something with no effect, such as helping Jefferson, and only wanted to run away, showed heroism. He summed up his feelings when he was talking to Jefferson. He said, “That’s why I try to live as well as I can every day and not hurt people. Especially people who love me, people who have done so much for me, people who have sacrificed for me,” (121). His conclusion was since so many have sacrificed themselves for Grant’s well-being, he could too. He knew he was capable of being a hero, and ended up being one. He caused Jefferson to die a man. Jefferson knew nothing would happen if he died a man or a hog, but at the end, decided to die a man. He saw no point in standing and walking for himself, but when walking to the electric chair that will kill him, Reverend retold Grant what Jefferson told him, “‘Tell Nannan I walked.’ And straight he walked,” (254). He wanted to please his Nannan, and have her know he was a man. In dying a man, who sacrificed himself for his people and his Nannan. As you can see, all humans are capable of being a