A Lesson Before Dying is set in rural Louisiana in the 1940s. The setting is ripe for the racism shown in the novel. Ernest J. Gaines weaves an intricate web of human connections, using the growth of the characters of Grant Wiggins and Jefferson to subtly expose the effect people have on each other (Poston A1). Every character along the way shows some suspicion of being racist. However, Paolo is an exception. He treats everyone as if they are equal to him, regardless of whether the person is black or white. In A Lesson Before Dying, author Ernest J. Gaines shows the different levels of racism during the 1940s through the use of characterization. The author, Ernest Gaines, and the main character, Grant Wiggins, have a lot in common. They both grew up on a plantation in rural Louisiana. Grant and Gaines both continue their education off the plantation. “The education obtainable in the California school system was better than that of the local plantations” (Napierkowski AB1). Napierkowski's quote can be applied to both Grant and Gaines. Even though Grant is a sham, they continue their education in the state of California and return home to Louisiana. Grant was greatly influenced by the women in his life in the novel. Jeffry Folks says, “The women who surround Grant in A Lesson Before Dying are all catalysts for his eventual move away from bitterness and doubt. It can be said that they are the true strength of the novel” (Folks B1). People also believe that the role of women in A Lesson Before Dying is quite significant as they are the foundation of community and family. People are simply saying that Grant was driven to succeed. In comparison, Ernest Gaines was pushed by his parents to further his education...... middle of paper ......execution of Jefferson” (Folks B2). Jeffry Folks agrees that the women in Grant's life were the cause of his change. “During his growing friendship with Jefferson, brought about by these two women, Grant becomes a real man and is finally able to move on with his life” (Vancil B2). Grant transforms into an entirely different man by the end of the novel; become a man. He knows his purpose in teaching the children on the plantation because of his interaction with Jefferson. Because of the racism in the novel, everything falls into place perfectly. “The story Gaines tells is extremely moving. The author, originally from south Louisiana, unfailingly evokes the place and time in which he writes. Some passages evoke the aura of a memoir” (Swindel CLC 174). Swindel agrees that everything works perfectly to make the novel so moving.