nt is saying although he wasnt physically at the trial he already knew what the outcome would be. Grant is also allowing the reader to see his views of the events as a predictable event over which he has little or no control. Additionally, the statement introduces the ironies of the novel, in which things are not always what they seem. After this the reader enters the trial of Jefferson. Jefferson is a twenty-one year old, uneducated black man accused of robbery and murder. The reader can easily predict his fate, even before the verdict is rendered. An all white jury in the Pre-Civil Rights South and a dead white storeowner. Unfortunately, there is no way for Jefferson to escape his punishment, even though he is innocent. The only thing he is guilty of is being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Throughout the novel Gaines focuses on the journey of Jeffersons last days, the persons involved and most importantly Grants attempt to help him become a man.As I stated earlier, the story is presented through the mind and voice of Grant Wiggins. I believe Gaines has a special reason for using Grant as the narrator. I believe he chose Grant because he and Jefferson were different, but also alike. Grant was a man that had done everything he could possibly do to avoid being in Jeffersons situation. Unfortunately, Jefferson had not been as fortunate as he had and now it was his duty to make him a man. However, there is the exception of chapters twenty-nine and thirty. Throughout the novel it is important that the reader look beyond the narrative of Grant. Without looking beyond Grants thoughts the reader will not be able to receive the full understanding of the novel. It is important that the reader analyzes Grants and the other characters actions throughout the story. This is the only way the reader will really be able to figure out exactly what is the lesson to be learned. During chapter twenty-nine and thirty Gaines presents...
