Change. Everybody changes for one reason or another, but the lessons of life are a main reason for change. In A Lesson Before Dying, by Ernest J. Gaines, Grant struggles to teach a black boy (Jefferson) on death row how to die with pride. Grant and Jefferson both change throughout the course of the book. During the time that Jefferson is on death row, he and Grant help each other learn important lessons about life, but the lessons that Grant learn are more profound.

At the start of the novel, Grant doesn't believe in himself, and he doesn't believe he can change others. Before Grant agrees to work with Jefferson, Tante lou and Miss Emma try to convince him to help. "Tante lou, Miss Emma, Jefferson is dead. It is only a matter of weeks, maybe a couple of months - but he's...