Figurative Language for A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest Gaines
Jefferson's defense attorney tried to defend Jefferson as much as he could, even if it meant saying insulting things about Jefferson. His defense attorney said, “Why, I would just as soon put a hog in the electric chair as this." Jefferson's defense attorney referred to Jefferson as a hog, someone who wasn't smart enough to commit such a crime. This did not only take a part in the jury's decision of him being guilty, but it also greatly affected his Godmother, Miss Emma. The attorney thought saying this would help Jefferson because he felt as if the jury would find him innocent for being too stupid to commit such a crime. This did not happen as you can see because Jefferson was still sentenced death for a crime he ultimately did not commit. The remark that was said effected Miss Emma, Tante Lou and Jefferson greatly. The person is mostly affected was Miss Emma. Miss Emma felt like she did not raise a 'hog', that her baby should't be referred to as a wild animal. She also knew that Jefferson would not commit such a crime, and was very upset when the jury thought otherwise. After accepting the fact that Jefferson would die and nothing she did would prevent this, she turned to Grant to help make Jefferson become a man...that way he dies a man, and not a hog. Jefferson suggests Miss Emma to bring him corn in a sarcastic tone. He doesn't really want corn, but he feels as if he is referred to as a hog he should eat what hogs eat. Miss Emma thinks what he says as nonsense and does not bring him corn, but instead brings him chicken and things that he ate when he was at home.