A Lesson Before Dying - What is a Hero?

StartFragment

In A Lesson Before Dying, Grant Wiggins has a moment when visiting Jefferson in chapter twenty-four where he describes what he believes a hero to be. Grant tells Jefferson that he must be a hero for himself, his family, and his community. His definition of a hero is someone “who does something for other people, he does something that other men don’t and can’t do. He is different from other men. He is above other men. No matter who those other men are, the hero, no matter who he is, is above them” (193). One must wonder after reading this passage whether Grant is correct or not, if Jefferson conforms to Grant’s definition of a hero, and also if Jefferson can be considered a martyr by the end of the novel. Additionally, a reader must question if being a martyr is any different to that of being a hero, and observe how the novel illustrates this.

Grant’s definition of a hero describes a totally selfless individual who works and lives for others rather than himself, someone who is humble and strong. This definition of a hero has some elements of truth

to it, a hero helps others selflessly, however, one can not be expected to totally abide by this definition due to human nature. In the novel, Jefferson does become a hero, but seemingly no one starts out as such. He becomes a hero by not allowing his hubris and self pity to claim him, he rises above the verbal assumptions that surround his being and proves all those who called him a “hog” incorrect. He makes people see him as a person. This transformation can be displayed in a quote said by Paul Bonin in the last chapter of the novel, “I don’t know what you’re going to say when you go back in there. But tell them he was the bravest man in that room today. I’m a witness, Grant Wiggins. Tell them so” (256). He walks willingly to his death and shows his people to be proud of who they are, and sets an example for future generations, illustrating that a person is not what is said about him, but the actions he takes.

As far as Jefferson being a martyr, a martyr is traditionally defined by someone who dies for their beliefs. Although this author is unsure of this applying to Jefferson, it is certain that he died for a cause. This cause, being the betterment of the younger generations of his people, to show them to walk with their heads high and not bend to society’s expectations of them. For this reason, Jefferson could be considered a martyr, and in this case, the definition of a martyr and a hero can go hand-in-hand. Both describe a selfless person who can set an example for others, even in dying.

EndFragment

#ALessonBeforeDying #ErnestJGaines