A Lesson Before Dying

Jefferson writes to “Mr. Wiggins” anything that comes into his mind. He writes that he doesn’t know if he can do it because he has never written anything other than homework. He writes about when Reverend Ambrose came with his Nannan and told him he had to beg the lord’s forgiveness to be saved. He writes what he remembers about life, working in the fields, and accusing God of only caring about white people. He wants to tell Mr. Wiggins that he likes him, but he doesn’t know how. He is trying to think and probe the way Mr. Wiggins asked him too, but he has never done that before. He wonders if it is love he feels when he hopes to see his Nannan one more time.

He writes about the sheriff, Mr. Morgan, and Mr. Pichot who come to see him, offer him a pocket-knife to sharpen his pencil, and openly discussing their wager. He is moved that all the people come to see him and most moved that Bok gives him a marble. This is when Jefferson cries. He writes that when he last saw his Nannan, he told her he was strong, and he let her hold him like Mr.