Using examples from "A Lesson Before Dying" (Ernest J. Gaines) and "Thank You, Ma'am" (Langston Hughes) as examples, how do people guide other people to their own empowerment?

Essay by lylasbabyJunior High, 9th grade May 2005

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Society is made up of leaders and followers. While many wants to, not all can be leaders. A leader is somebody who guides or directs others by showing them the way. A leader is someone that can influence people. He is someone that people want to follow and respect, makes good decisions, can think quickly. He is self-confident, and knows what to do next. A leader is someone who can guide others to their own empowerment. "Thank You, Ma'am" by Langston Hughes and A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines illustrate people guiding others to their own empowerment by developing dynamic characters. However, in "Thank You, Ma'am" we only see the point of view of the guide in the relationship between people guiding others to their own empowerment.

Jefferson learns he can have his own empowerment instead of being told how to act. Jefferson is led to his own empowerment when he discovers his ability to not let the town categorize him as the stereotypical black young man.

Jefferson writes in his journal, "when I was a little boy I was a waterboy an rode the cart but now I got to be a in a cher" (Gaines 234) In the beginning, Jefferson blames himself for everything. He turns away from everyone that tries to help him. Later on he finally understand that he has to change to teach a lesson to the white folks. He has to show that he has his own empowerment and he can make his decision in how he dies. Jefferson's most defining moment is when he finally shows society just who it is exactly that he wants to be remembered as, a man standing.

Grant learns that he is able to guide Jefferson and that he's just not some other black man that...