A Lesson Before Dying: Chapters 3-4

Discussion Questions
Chapter 3
1. The original plot narrative portrays Jefferson as innocent, however Henri Pichot's insistence that Jefferson is guilty could lead the reader to believe that he did indeed commit the crime.
2. Miss Emma was exhausted from Jefferson's trial and conviction. Grant knew that Miss Emma wanted his help, however he also knew that her mind was isolated and she did not have the energy to beg him for help so she just kept stating that he didn't have to do it.
3. Henri Pichot's back door is used by his workers. Because Grant's aunt used to work for the Pichot's, using the back door symbolizes being less than him. Grant was rankled by using the back door because he knew what message it portrayed.
4. Miss Emma persuaded Henri Pichot to speak to the sheriff on her behalf by emphasizing that she had done a lot for his family. She feels as though Mr. Pichot owes her in some form.

Chapter 4
1. The statement shows that Jefferson's defence attorney tried to portray him as a hog because hogs were carelessly killed frequently.
2. Grant wants to flee town because the way he lives his life is limited there. He is forced to do things he does not want to do. Yet, he stays because he knows that he is needed there.

Quotation Assignment
Chapter 2, Page 15
" But she had not heard me before, and I knew that no matter how loud I screamed, she would not here me now."
2. This quotation characterizes Grant as confined. His personal feelings and opinions are not important to his aunt. He could not refuse to go see Jefferson no matter how much he wished to because his aunt was forcing him to do so.
3. This quote connects to a contemporary issue dealing with the relationship between parents and their children. Parents tend to force their children to do things they do not wish to do. Children are forced to get involved in things they dislike with no objections. The children in those type of situations most likely feel the way Grant did.