Ernest J Gaines wrote A Lesson Before Dying to share that despite what society thinks of you, you have the power to define who you are. He uses symbols, and figurative language to show the mutual development of Jefferson and Grant throughout the story.Gaines uses the symbol of the window to represent freedom for Jefferson. The window is an opening to the outside world. When Grant and his nannan first visit Jefferson at the jail, Grant noted the window was high on the wall not allowing him to be able to see fully out of it only seeing the tops of trees, and the sky. At first, Gaines uses the window as a way for Jefferson to mentally escape from his visitors. For example, on page 82 Grant says, After a while, he raised his head, but he didnt look at me; he looked at the barred window. Gaines uses small gestures like this one to illustrate Jeffersons reluctance to open up to Grant
. However later on in the story in the story Gaines uses the window to highlight how much their relationship has grown. he studied me a while, then he turned his back and looked up at the window. So pretty out there he said so pretty I have never seen it so pretty then he turns his back and looked up at the window. So pretty out there he said so pretty they never seem so pretty(225). In this quote not only does it show Jefferson willingly participating in a conversation, but also he is confiding in Jefferson. Telling him about what he sees through the window and his new hope.Gaines also uses food as a symbol to show acceptance. This is illustrated when Grant declines food at Mr. Pichots house, the white plantation owner. He feels that eating Mr. Pichots food would only be an insult to himself. We see this when he says I damned sure would not add hurt to injury by eating at his