Student

In Ernest Gaines's ingenious multilayered literary piece A Lesson Before Dying, the author portrays his main character Grant Wiggins as one who initially has no consideration for women and never acquires this consideration for his girlfriend Vivian. Because of this, Grant, like many men, holistically only love women through the way they can serve him. The fact that Grant virtually ignores Vivian's children is only one symptom of his failure to respect her. He visits her only when he needs comforting words and encouragement. It is ironic that he speaks about running away with Vivian without thinking about the effects moving would have on her children. Although Grant muses about what to name his future children, the reader never learns the names of Vivian's children. Grant's self-centered perspective allows very little room for Vivian. Gaines suggests Vivian's disapproval and pain in the face of Grant's inconsiderate actions is the direct result of her emotional breakdown. In spite of all this, Vivian through her character teaches Grant the novel's most important lessons.

Vivian Baptiste and Matthew Antoine--Grant's former teacher at the plantation school--have much in common. Both are teachers, both are Creole and both have a tremendous impact on Grant's life. While Vivian embraces her culture and heritage while identifying with the black community, Mr. Antoine rejects his culture and heritage and attempts to identify with the white community. This becomes the futile task that ultimately destroys him. Grant's longing to leave the town emphasizes his internalization of the conversation held with Mr. Antoine in regards to their community. His only reason for not leaving the community is Vivian. Indirectly, Vivian teaches Grant to love himself and through this, he will ultimately love his community.

Although blatantly obvious, Grant's relationship with Vivian appears to be one-sided. Grant expects her to be there for him, but he thinks of her only in terms of his wants and needs. Vivian is there to satisfy his need for sex and conversation. She is there to support him and to nurse his wounds. While Vivian is willing to accept her responsibilities as a mother, teacher, and lover, Grant is unwilling to assume the responsibilities of his roles as nephew, teacher, and lover. For him, being a teacher means having a steady job and a measure of status in his community. For Vivian, it means being a leader and role model.

While Grant's attitude perpetuates