the story in points of view other than Grants. In chapter twenty nine the reader is presented with Jeffersons thoughts through his diary. Also, during chapter thirty we are presented with the townspeople reaction to the arrival of Gruesome Gerty, the portable electric chair. In these chapters I believe that Gaines moves away from Grants point of view in order for the reader to understand the thoughts and reactions of others. Jeffersons diary gives him the chance to express the intimate feelings he had not been able previously to articulate. Also, it gives the reader for the first time an opportunity to understand the things that are going on in his mind. In chapter thirty Gaines moves the focus to the electric chair. In this chapter Gaines use personification to describe Gruesome Gerty as evil. The reader is able to see the fear that is struck into the hearts of its citizens. As she is paraded down the streets of Bayonne. Also, we can say that part of their fear is due to guilt. Gerty forces them to admit that, by not taking a stand against a racist system, they are responsible for Jeffersons death. In addition to the fear she strikes into the citizens, in this chapter the reader is able to focus on the reality of capital punishment and consider the state of mind of those involved in planning and carrying out the execution. Therefore, both chapters twenty-nine and thirty allow the reader to see the story from a different perspective.Gaines makes use of a chronological sequence throughout the story. The story begins during late October and concludes in early April, two weeks after Easter. I believe Gaines doesnt have any particular significance in choosing this time sequence. However, I do believe that he does use the execution during April to show some significance. I believe Gaines is in some way paralleling Jeffersons execution to Jesus Christs crucifixion. The execution will occur between noon and 3 p.m. on Friday,...
