A Lesson Before Dying

What kind of faith does Grant acquire in the course of this book? Why does the Reverend emerge as the stronger of the two men?

For all the book's religious symbolism, the central character is a man without faith. Grant's refusal to attend church has deeply hurt his aunt and antagonized Reverend Ambrose, whose religion Grant at first dismisses as a sham. Yet at the book's climax he admits that Ambrose "is braver than I," and he has his pupils pray in the hours before Jefferson's death. What kind of faith does Grant acquire in the course of this book? Why does the Reverend emerge as the stronger of the two men?

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Last updated by Kasey S #1018623
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At the beginning of the novel, Grant views religion with disdain, acknowledging its important place in African-American culture while questioning its truth and its usefulness. Although he never embraces Christianity, the events of the novel make him more aware of how religion can soothe the afflicted. He encourages Jefferson to pray just to please Miss Emma, also suggesting that religion can be a useful means of social cohesion even if the teachings themselves are questionable to some.

Reverend Ambrose emerges as the stronger of the two men because his faith does not falter. Grant uses religion as a crutch. He comes to see its importance, and he even acknowledges its worth, but he does not embrace it fully. The Reverend never flinches, he stays strong, and he reaches out, always...... not because someone has asked him to, but rather, because he carries it within.

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A Lesson Before Dying