Even though the protagonist of A Lesson Before Dying spends five days a week in a church, he has a big problem with religion. The school where he teaches is housed in a plantation church in rural Louisiana, and he steers way clear of the building when it transforms back into a church on Sunday morning. However, the church is the center of the community and binds the people together and gives them hope.
Questions About Religion
- How would you describe Grant's religious beliefs?
- Who in the novel is the best representative for religion? Who is the worst?
- What role does religion play on the plantation?
- What is the effect of school being held in the church?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
Religion is presented as a lie that comforts people and keeps them from ever moving up in the world.
Religion is presented as a comfort and an important social institution that keeps communities together.