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Chapter 13: A lesson before dying

VOCAB: Icebox: a fridge; Inquisitor: detective; Uppity: arrogant; Backsliders: someone who used to be a believer, but lost the faith; Determination Sunday: it’s a Sunday when church members sing their favorite hymns and tell everyone there where they will spend eternity.

BEFORE: Right before chapter 13, Grant realizes that he’s going to have to lie about Jefferson’s disturbing anger to protect Miss Emma. Vivian tells him that teachers and students at their school know about their love affair.
BRIEF SUMMARY: So in this chapter, Miss Emma goes to church on Determination Sunday, where she sang a couple of religious songs. Grant recalls last Friday, when he had found Miss Emma and Reverend Ambrose sitting with his aunt in the kitchen. His aunt and Miss Emma questioned him about his visits with Jefferson. Grant lied to dodge any animosity. Reverend Ambrose then asked Grant if he made any sort of reference to god or religion in general. Grant said no, and explained that ever since he came back from his many years of intense studying, he lost the faith. Towards the end of the chapter, Grant went on to say that by letting go of his religious beliefs, he angered his aunt. He reminisces for a moment about his old teacher, Professor Antoine. He used to say that he should definitively leave Bayonne for good.
AFTER: and after chapter 13, Grant gets a surprise visit from Vivian, and they have a discussion over some cake and some coffee.

AS FOR SYMBOLISM: I only managed to find one symbol. At the beginning of the chapter, Miss Emma goes to the church. The church represents hope and prosperity, since Reverend Ambrose uses god to comfort church goers, and to make them forget about their troubles.

THEMES: I found quite a few themes. I’ll start off by developing on an ongoing theme,

-Religion: The reverend kept on pushing Grant, telling him he should integrate god and religion into his chats with Jefferson.
P. 101: “Didn’t get to

en relation

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