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Ernest Gaines Quotes about Dying

All Ernest Gaines Quotes Dying quotes Writing
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.

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.

Ernest Gaines
Justice, Gentleman, Dying

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?

Ernest Gaines
Men, Dying, Trying
Ernest J. Gaines (2015). “A Lesson Before Dying”, p.36, Serpent's Tail

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.

Ernest Gaines
Eye, Dying, Fool
Ernest J. Gaines (2004). “A Lesson Before Dying: A Novel”, p.130, Vintage

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.

Ernest Gaines
Teacher, Enemy, Dying
Ernest J. Gaines (2015). “A Lesson Before Dying”, p.67, Serpent's Tail

"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."

Ernest Gaines
People, Feelings, Dying
Ernest J. Gaines (2004). “A Lesson Before Dying: A Novel”, p.123, Vintage

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

Ernest Gaines
Running, Dying, Said
Ernest J. Gaines (2015). “A Lesson Before Dying”, p.123, Serpent's Tail

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