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Symbolism In A Lesson Before Dying

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In the novel, A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J Gaines, there are several central symbols to the novel. Throughout the end of the novel, the central symbol is kneeling/ crawling, it is used to show a deeper meaning and the theme. The central symbol of kneeling/ crawling ties back to one lowering themselves to help another stand. Kneeling/ crawling represents the self-sacrifice of the person, as they have to lower themselves and degrade themselves for another by kneeling/ crawling. Also, kneeling/ crawling can also represent strength in a way, by being able to lower your pride and putting yourself down to put another person first. Many of the characters in the novel kneel/ crawl for the benefit of another to stand. Kneeling/ crawling is the …show more content…
Gaines is kneeling/ crawling. On page 218, Reverend Ambrose describes how Tante Lou had to crawl for Grant this whole time just to get him through college. “She been lying everyday of her life, and your aunt in there. That’s how you got through that university- . . . I’ve seen her hands bleed from picking cotton. I’ve seen the blisters from the hoe and the cane knife. At that church, crying on her knees. You’ve never looked at the scabs on her knees boy? Course you never. ‘Cause she never wanted you to see it.” This quote shows how much Tante Lou had to kneel and crawl to get support Grant. She had to endure labor and backbreaking work to support him. In fact, her blisters and scabs represent her having to crawl, she had to be selfless and endure the pain of picking cotton just so Grant can stand. Evidently, it represents her love for Grant, as she had to put herself and her needs aside. Even though Tante Lou didn’t want to pick cotton, she had no choice, that was the only way she knew how to make Grant stand. The only choice she had was to crawl and kneel even if it was painful. She crawled and kneels for Grant so in the future, he wouldn’t have to crawl for his education. This shows the deeper meaning of having to sacrifice yourself for the people you love. Hence, for others to stand, you have to put yourself down for the sake of others. Therefore, the central symbol in the novel is kneeling/

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