Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines name-calling as the use of offensive names especially to win an argument or to induce rejection or condemnation (as of a person or project) without objective consideration of the facts. In the novel A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines, Jefferson is called a hog because of racial ignorance. The description of name-calling fits perfectly with the story line. Jefferson’s defense attorney calls him a hog to win the …showed first 75 words of 1054 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1054 total…ethnic groups. This was clearly stated when Paul stuck out his hand to Grant and asked to be his friend (255). I have to wonder if Paul would have been so open and friendly had the whole transformation never taken place. I interpreted Grant’s tears at the end as a sign of peace. They not only were tears of sorrow but I think he realized that there truly was a new understanding in the Quarter