er. Also, through Jefferson, Grant has formed a friendship with Paul Bonin, the young deputy. This challenges the stereotype of the racist, white Southern law officer. The friendship between Grant and Paul give hope for the Civil Rights Movement. I believe that through Grants involvement with Jefferson he realizes that he does has a purpose in Bayonne. His purpose is to teach and help direct as many children as possible and do everything in his power to help change their current conditions. In the end Grant is finally able to deal with his hatred towards white, his arrogance and his detachment from the black community.Therefore, throughout the novel Gaines does an excellent job of telling such a tragic story with such an uplifting message behind it. The novel focuses on the struggles of the poor, oppressed people to gain pride and dignity in a hostile, racist environment. Throughout the novel we witness life in the black, segregated community of Bayonne and how it is deeply affected by Jeffersons impending death. Gaines does an excellent job in showing how we can learn important life lessons through others tragedies. I believe the lesson learned is that we must never forget our past and always strive to improve our future....
