"A Lesson Before Dying" is a novel by Ernest J. Gaines set in the 1940s in the American South. It tells the story of Jefferson, a Black man wrongfully convicted of murder, who is sentenced to death. The narrative explores themes of racism, injustice, and the struggle for dignity in the face of dehumanization. Grant Wiggins, a schoolteacher, is asked to help Jefferson find a sense of self-worth before his execution. Through their interactions, the novel examines the impact of systemic oppression and the importance of personal redemption, ultimately highlighting the power of human connection and understanding.