Belief

By Hallie Fogarty

General Context

Belief is often linked to religion but does not necessarily solely relate to it. There are multiple types of belief: in the self, in others, in a system, in God. Belief may refer to having trust in oneself and one’s abilities to do something, or it can refer to having trust in another person and their abilities to do something. When placed in a religious context, belief may refer to trust in God or an entire religion. Religious belief is often framed as belief in the existence of God and may have associated beliefs that accompany this.

Connection to Novel

While it’s been said Gaines does not want people to overstate religious symbolism in his work, belief and religion are certainly present in A Lesson Before Dying. Critics have likened the character Jefferson to Christ, but scholars like Folks have also pointed out how religion and belief conflict in the characters of Grant Wiggins and Reverend Ambrose. These two characters are at odds throughout the novel, Reverend Ambrose often showing his displeasure at Grant’s lack of faith and his refusal to attend church. The church in A Lesson Before Dying is likely inspired by the church on Riverlake Plantation, where Gaines grew up. Eventually, Reverend Ambrose’s belief is presented as a point of strength for him in Grant’s internal monologue: “Who is with you, Jefferson? Is He with you, Jefferson? He is with Reverend Ambrose, because Reverend Ambrose believes. Do you believe, Jefferson? Have I done anything to make you not believe? If I have, please forgive me for being a fool. For at this moment, what else is there?” However, belief in A Lesson Before Dying does not solely relate to religious belief. Alongside Grant’s lack of faith, we see him lack self-belief. Throughout the novel, he struggles to believe in himself and his abilities to teach both the children and also Jefferson. We even see him say, “I could never believe in anything, either, for very long.”