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Ernest Gaines Quotes

Author

Ernest Gaines is an American author known for his profound insights into racial and social issues. His works often set in the black community of Louisiana, explore themes of racial relations, poverty, and education.

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All Writing Men People Dying Ifs Believe Knows Thinking Novel Said Trying Wanted Jazz Know How African American Bigs Body Church Dies Differences

Famous Ernest Gaines Quotes

“But let us say he was (guilty). Let us for a moment say he was (guilty). What justice would there be to take his life? Justice, gentlemen? Why, I would just as soon put a hog in the electric chair as this.”

Moments Justice Dying Guilty Gentleman Chairs Electric Hog Electric Chair

Author:Ernest Gaines

“I still don't even know if the sheriff will let me see him. And suppose he did; what then? What do I say to him? Do I know what a man is? Do I know how a man is supposed to die? I'm still trying to find out how a man should live. Am I supposed to tell someone how to die who has never lived?”

Ifs Knows Men Should Trying Stills Dies Know How Dying Let Me Sheriffs

Book:A Lesson Before Dying

Source: A Lesson Before Dying

“Now, about that mulatto teacher and me. There was no love there for each other. There was not even respect. We were enemies if anything. He hated me, and I knew it, and he knew I knew it. I didn't like him, but I needed him, needed him to tell me something that none of the others could or would.”

Ifs Enemy Teacher Dying Needed Hated No Love Mulattoes

Book:A Lesson Before Dying

Source: A Lesson Before Dying

“"What for?" I said. "What for, Tante Lou? He treated me the same way he treated her. He wants me to feel guilty, just as he wants her to feel guilty. Well, I'm not feeling guilty, Tante Lou. I didn't put him there. I do everything I know how to do to keep people like him from going there. He's not going to make me feel guilty."”

People Knows Way Want Feels Wells Said Feelings Know How Dying Treated Guilty Want Me Feeling Guilty He Wants Me

Book:A Lesson Before Dying: A Novel

Source: A Lesson Before Dying: A Novel

“"You going back," she said. "You ain't going to run away from this, Grant."”

Said Running Dying Grants Running Away

Book:A Lesson Before Dying

Source: A Lesson Before Dying

“We looked at each other, and I could see in those big reddened eyes that he was not going to scream. He was full of anger - and who could blame him? - but he was no fool. He needed me, and he wanted me here, if only to insult me.”

Ifs Bigs Eye Wanted Dying Fool Needed Blame Insult Scream

Book:A Lesson Before Dying: A Novel

Source: A Lesson Before Dying: A Novel

“Don't tell me to believe. Don't tell me to believe in the same God or laws that men believe in who commit these murders. Don't tell me to believe that God can bless this country and that men are judged by their peers. Who among his peers judged him? Was I there? Was the minister there? Was Harry Williams there? Was Farrell Jarreau? Was my aunt? Was Vivian? No, his peers did not judge him, and I will not believe.”

Men Believe Country Law Dying Judging Murder Commit Ministers Bless Judged Peers Aunt

Book:A Lesson Before Dying: A Novel

Source: A Lesson Before Dying: A Novel

About the Author

Born: January 15, 1933
Known for: Author
Quotes: 52

Books & Sources

A Lesson Before DyingRelated source material

A Lesson Before Dying: A NovelRelated source material

Conversations with Ernest GainesRelated source material

Bloodline: Five StoriesRelated source material

Mozart and LeadbellyRelated source material

The Autobiography of Miss Jane PittmanRelated source material

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