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Quizzes > Literature & Language > Books & Literature

How Well Do You Know Quotes From A Lesson Before Dying?

Ready to recall the best quotes a lesson before dying?

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustrating a quiz on A Lesson Before Dying chapters 1-4 on a coral background

Are you ready to test your memory with quotes from the book A Lesson Before Dying? Our quotes a lesson before dying challenge puts your recall to the test across the first four chapters. This A Lesson Before Dying quiz chapters 1-4 revisits key moments, offering a lesson before dying study quiz experience that will sharpen your literary insight. Whether you're a student prepping for discussion or a fan reliving Jefferson's story, you'll see how well you know each line. Don't wait - dive into the quiz or challenge your recall now!

Who says “I want you to show them the difference between what they think you are and what you can be.”?
Miss Emma
Reverend Ambrose
Tante Lou
Grant Wiggins
Miss Emma speaks this line to Grant in Chapter 4, urging him to help Jefferson rise above others’ low expectations. She believes in Jefferson’s potential and asks Grant to instill dignity in him. This quote highlights her faith in education and transformation. SparkNotes
Who utters “I hate it when they call me ‘boy.’” in the opening chapters?
Jefferson
Grant Wiggins
Paul
Reverend Ambrose
Jefferson resents being demeaned by white authority figures, a feeling he voices early in the novel. It underscores the racial humiliation that he endures as a Black man in the 1940s South. This moment sets the tone for his struggle with identity. SparkNotes
Identify the speaker of “You Christians is all the same. You think that just because you believe in God, you can go on doing anything you want to do.”
Grant Wiggins
Paul
Miss Emma
Tante Lou
Grant criticizes religious hypocrisy during a conversation with Paul in Chapter 2. He feels that mere profession of faith can’t excuse mistreatment. This illustrates his complex relationship with both faith and community. SparkNotes
Who remarks “I don’t want you to play church with me.” when talking to Jefferson?
Reverend Ambrose
Miss Emma
Tante Lou
Paul
Reverend Ambrose speaks this line in Chapter 3 to emphasize his earnest faith and to challenge Jefferson’s cynicism. It reflects Ambrose’s struggle to make Jefferson engage sincerely with religion. SparkNotes
Who says “There’s some things you have to accept, like the color of your skin.”?
Tante Lou
Miss Emma
Grant Wiggins
Paul
Tante Lou offers this piece of pragmatic advice in Chapter 1, reflecting the older generation’s resigned view of racial realities. She tries to prepare Grant for the challenges he faces as a Black man. SparkNotes
Identify the speaker: “He’s not a hog. He’s a man.”
Miss Emma
Tante Lou
Grant Wiggins
Reverend Ambrose
Miss Emma insists on Jefferson’s humanity when defending him after his arrest in Chapter 1. She rejects the dehumanizing treatment he receives at the jail. SparkNotes
Who delivers the line “I want you to read something to me every day.”?
Jefferson
Grant Wiggins
Paul
Reverend Ambrose
Jefferson makes this request of Grant in Chapter 4 as part of his growing engagement with literacy. It marks an early shift in Jefferson’s attitude toward learning. SparkNotes
Who asks, “Do you know what God thinks about a man that kills?”
Reverend Ambrose
Grant Wiggins
Miss Emma
Paul
Reverend Ambrose challenges Jefferson’s soul and morality in Chapter 3 with this rhetorical question. He hopes to spur Jefferson toward repentance. SparkNotes
Who states “You a teacher, but you don’t learn nothing in school.”?
Paul
Grant Wiggins
Miss Emma
Jefferson
Paul taunts Grant in Chapter 2 about his own bitter view of schooling. This line underlines Paul’s rebellion and skepticism. SparkNotes
Who utters “Freedom is something you die for.”?
Grant Wiggins
Reverend Ambrose
Miss Emma
Jefferson
Grant reflects on the high stakes of genuine freedom early in Chapter 4. He expresses his own conflicted feelings about hope and despair. SparkNotes
Identify the speaker: “We all matter.”
Jefferson
Miss Emma
Tante Lou
Grant Wiggins
Jefferson asserts his self-worth in Chapter 4 after Miss Emma and Grant encourage him. This marks a turning point in his self-perception. SparkNotes
Who says “They treat you like pigs at the trough.”?
Miss Emma
Grant Wiggins
Tante Lou
Reverend Ambrose
Miss Emma complains about jailers’ treatment of Jefferson in Chapter 1. She compares it to hogs fighting over food. SparkNotes
Who warns, “Ain’t nobody free until everybody free.”?
Grant Wiggins
Reverend Ambrose
Paul
Jefferson
Grant makes this point while discussing community and justice in Chapter 4. He underlines that individual dignity is tied to collective liberation. SparkNotes
Identify the speaker: “I been in here so long I forgot what a field look like.”
Jefferson
Paul
Reverend Ambrose
Grant Wiggins
Jefferson laments his confinement in the jail cell in Chapter 4. He expresses loss of connection to the outside world. SparkNotes
Who says “You ever been treated like you wasn’t nothing?” and to whom is it addressed?
Grant Wiggins addressing Paul
Miss Emma addressing Grant
Reverend Ambrose addressing Jefferson
Tante Lou addressing Miss Emma
Grant tries to connect with Paul in Chapter 2 by asking this painful question. He seeks to empathize with Paul’s resentment of white society. SparkNotes
Identify the speaker of “I want to feel a hand on mine before I die.”?
Jefferson
Grant Wiggins
Miss Emma
Reverend Ambrose
Jefferson expresses a desire for human connection in Chapter 4. His request shows vulnerability and the need for dignity. SparkNotes
Who muses “We got to show them what people are.” and in what setting?
Grant Wiggins talking to Jefferson in jail
Miss Emma talking to Tante Lou at home
Reverend Ambrose preaching at church
Paul gossiping with classmates
Grant uses this line in Chapter 4 to challenge Jefferson’s self-image. He’s in the jail cell, pushing Jefferson toward self-respect. SparkNotes
Identify the speaker: “You think I’m a hog, don’t you?”
Jefferson
Grant Wiggins
Miss Emma
Paul
Jefferson confronts Grant’s implied contempt in Chapter 4 with this question. It reveals Jefferson’s awareness of how others view him. SparkNotes
Who says “Maybe if I wasn’t an educated colored man I could help him more.”?
Grant Wiggins
Reverend Ambrose
Miss Emma
Paul
Grant laments his own education creating distance from Jefferson in Chapter 4. It highlights his complex feelings about his role. SparkNotes
Who utters “We act like we got sense. They ain’t got none.”?
Paul
Jefferson
Grant Wiggins
Miss Emma
Paul insults Jefferson’s mental capacity in Chapter 2 when arguing about the trial. It shows Paul’s bitterness and cynicism. SparkNotes
Identify the speaker: “Nobody wants to die.”
Jefferson
Reverend Ambrose
Tante Lou
Grant Wiggins
Jefferson admits fear of death in Chapter 4 during his sessions with Grant. It illustrates his human vulnerability. SparkNotes
Who says “I got to do what I got to do.” and in what context?
Jefferson, accepting his fate
Grant Wiggins, about leaving town
Reverend Ambrose, about a sermon
Paul, about schoolwork
Jefferson uses this resigned line in Chapter 4 when discussing his execution. It underscores his acceptance of circumstances. SparkNotes
Identify the speaker: “I’m not sure I want to be free.”
Jefferson
Grant Wiggins
Paul
Tante Lou
Jefferson voices ambivalence about dignity in Chapter 4. He questions whether he deserves respect before his death. SparkNotes
Who says “There’s always been a war for colored people.”?
Grant Wiggins
Reverend Ambrose
Miss Emma
Paul
Grant reflects on the ongoing struggle for Black dignity in Chapter 3. He compares it to a never-ending battle. SparkNotes
Who remarks “He’s in there alone.” when referring to Jefferson?
Reverend Ambrose
Miss Emma
Tante Lou
Grant Wiggins
Ambrose laments Jefferson’s spiritual isolation in Chapter 3. He worries Jefferson faces death without faith. SparkNotes
Who utters “We got to do better by him.” about Jefferson?
Miss Emma
Reverend Ambrose
Grant Wiggins
Tante Lou
Miss Emma insists on more support for Jefferson in Chapter 2. She believes the community has failed him. SparkNotes
Identify the speaker: “You think I got a choice?”
Jefferson
Paul
Grant Wiggins
Reverend Ambrose
Jefferson challenges Grant’s idealism in Chapter 4 with this retort. He feels trapped by circumstances. SparkNotes
Who says “If I could lick this world, I’d do it.” and what does it reveal about the speaker?
Grant Wiggins; his frustration with racism
Reverend Ambrose; his anger at injustice
Jefferson; his defiance of death
Paul; his bitterness toward teachers
Grant vents his anger over systemic injustice in Chapter 3. The quote reveals his desire to conquer oppression. SparkNotes
Identify the speaker: “So this is what they want from me.” What is being asked?
Jefferson; a demonstration of dignity
Grant Wiggins; a confession
Reverend Ambrose; a sermon
Miss Emma; a plea for mercy
Jefferson realizes the white authorities expect him to be a symbol in Chapter 4. He feels pressured to perform dignity. SparkNotes
Who muses “A man like that don’t live long.” about Jefferson and why?
Paul; because Jefferson is challenging norms
Miss Emma; because Jefferson is sick
Reverend Ambrose; because Jefferson lacks faith
Grant Wiggins; because Jefferson is uneducated
Paul makes this cynical remark in Chapter 2; he believes Jefferson’s potential self-respect is dangerous to the system. SparkNotes
Identify the speaker: “Death is worse than the chains.” What does it signify?
Reverend Ambrose; the spiritual cost of execution
Miss Emma; the fear of violence
Jefferson; the inevitability of fate
Grant Wiggins; the burden of teaching
Ambrose warns Jefferson about despair and spiritual death in Chapter 3. It underscores religious implications of execution. SparkNotes
Who says “I could do without this world.” and in what context?
Jefferson; expressing hopelessness about life
Grant Wiggins; after a fight
Reverend Ambrose; during prayer
Paul; after school
Jefferson voices despair in Chapter 4, reflecting his suicidal mindset before finding purpose. SparkNotes
Identify the speaker: “You gonna let him die without help?” and who is the target?
Miss Emma addressing Grant
Tante Lou addressing Miss Emma
Reverend Ambrose addressing Jefferson
Paul addressing Grant
Miss Emma challenges Grant’s reluctance in Chapter 2 to visit Jefferson. She insists on moral responsibility. SparkNotes
Who utters “There ain’t no such thing as justice.” and what does it reflect?
Jefferson; systemic racial injustice
Grant Wiggins; personal disappointment
Reverend Ambrose; religious doubt
Paul; educational failure
Jefferson expresses disillusionment in Chapter 4 about the legal system. It highlights his loss of faith in fairness. SparkNotes
Identify the speaker: “Ain’t nobody gonna tell me nothin’.” What does it reveal?
Paul; his defiance toward adults
Jefferson; his stubbornness
Tante Lou; her pride
Grant Wiggins; his frustration
Paul’s line in Chapter 2 shows his rebellious nature toward authority. It underscores generational conflict. SparkNotes
Who says “If you want me to fight, I’ll fight.” and their motive?
Grant Wiggins; defending Jefferson’s dignity
Reverend Ambrose; defending faith
Miss Emma; protecting family honor
Paul; challenging classmates
Grant pledges in Chapter 4 to stand up for Jefferson’s humanity. It shows his emerging commitment. SparkNotes
Identify the speaker: “You think I’m as good as them now?” What is the context?
Jefferson; after reading exercise
Paul; after test
Grant Wiggins; after sermon
Reverend Ambrose; after prayer
Jefferson asks Grant in Chapter 4 to see if he’s proved his worth. It marks a milestone in his self-respect. SparkNotes
Who muses “Sometimes I think we waiting on folks that ain’t coming.”?
Grant Wiggins
Miss Emma
Reverend Ambrose
Paul
Grant reflects in Chapter 3 on the community’s hopes. He doubts white support will arrive. SparkNotes
Who states “We can’t free ourselves with a book.” and why?
Jefferson; literacy alone isn’t enough
Grant Wiggins; school limitations
Reverend Ambrose; spiritual freedom
Paul; educational cynicism
Jefferson concedes in Chapter 4 that reading won’t change systemic oppression. It highlights his nuanced understanding. SparkNotes
Identify the speaker: “They gonna make you eat from a toilet like you a hog!”
Miss Emma
Tante Lou
Grant Wiggins
Reverend Ambrose
Miss Emma graphically describes jail conditions in Chapter 1 to shock Grant. She wants him to act. SparkNotes
Who meditates “Words on a page was never enough to save anybody.” and why?
Jefferson; he feels reading can’t free him
Grant Wiggins; disillusionment with teaching
Reverend Ambrose; critique of sermons
Paul; rejection of schoolwork
Jefferson reflects in Chapter 4 that literacy won’t change his death sentence. It shows his emerging critical thought about education. SparkNotes
Identify the speaker: “They gave me strength I didn’t have before.” What event prompted this?
Jefferson; after reading a passage with Grant
Grant Wiggins; after a church service
Miss Emma; after praying
Reverend Ambrose; after counseling
Jefferson acknowledges newfound courage in Chapter 4 following his literacy sessions. It marks a turning point in his self-esteem. SparkNotes
Who says “I saw a man in the mirror today.” What does it symbolize?
Jefferson; recognition of self-worth
Grant Wiggins; personal reflection
Reverend Ambrose; spiritual vision
Miss Emma; aging realization
Jefferson sees himself as a man of dignity in Chapter 4. The mirror symbolizes his personal transformation. SparkNotes
Identify the speaker: “A lesson has to be lived to be known.” What is its deeper meaning?
Grant Wiggins; experiential learning over theory
Miss Emma; moral teaching
Reverend Ambrose; religious doctrine
Paul; school lessons
Grant speaks this philosophical line in Chapter 4 to emphasize that true understanding comes from action. It encapsulates the novel’s theme of lived dignity. SparkNotes
Who utters “I’m going to walk out of here a man.” and what does it foreshadow?
Jefferson; his dignified final act
Grant Wiggins; his departure from town
Miss Emma; her moral stand
Reverend Ambrose; his resignation
Jefferson declares this in Chapter 4, foreshadowing his final transformation before execution. It underscores his attainment of dignity. SparkNotes
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand iconic quotes from the book A Lesson Before Dying -

    Recognize and recall the most memorable lines from chapters 1-4, reinforcing your familiarity with the novel's foundational passages.

  2. Recall contextual details of quotes a lesson before dying -

    Place each quote within its narrative setting and character moment, sharpening your memory of plot developments and scene dynamics.

  3. Analyze thematic elements in A Lesson Before Dying quotes quiz -

    Explore how selected passages reflect core themes like justice, dignity, and hope in the early chapters of the story.

  4. Identify character voices and perspectives -

    Match each quote to its speaker or narrator, deepening your understanding of individual character motivations and tone.

  5. Interpret emotional and symbolic layers -

    Delve into the subtext and imagery of key lines, uncovering the emotional resonance and symbols woven into the narrative.

  6. Connect quotes from the book a lesson before dying to broader themes -

    Link memorable passages to overarching motifs and historical context, enhancing your grasp of the novel's larger message.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Jefferson's Transformation Through Dialogue -

    Study quotes from the book A Lesson Before Dying that show Jefferson's shift from victimhood to self-worth, especially his declaration "I want to be a man." The University of Florida's English Department notes this moment anchors the novel's dignity theme. Use the mnemonic "I.W.A.M." (I Want A Man) to lock in this key line.

  2. Grant's Narrative Voice and Conflict -

    Review passages where Grant's internal monologue clashes with his duty, such as his reflection "I'm educated but I'm not free." Stanford's American Studies module highlights how this duality frames the novel's central tension. Remember "E.F." (Educated yet not Free) to recall this quote during the A Lesson Before Dying quotes quiz.

  3. Symbolism of the Hog Metaphor -

    Analyze quotes comparing Jefferson to a hog, like "They treat me like I'm a hog, just like them hogs in the orchard." The Modern Language Association journal explains that this metaphor critiques dehumanization. Think "H.O.G." (Humiliation, Oppression, Growth) as a prompt for exploring related quiz chapters 1-4.

  4. Education as Empowerment -

    Focus on lines from Miss Emma and Tante Lou urging Grant to teach Jefferson, notably "Education can give him dignity." The Journal of American History underscores how teaching moments underscore hope. Memorize "D.E.D." (Dignity through Education Delivered) to recall educational themes.

  5. Foreshadowing of Injustice -

    Spot early references to racial bias, such as the sheriff's comment "He'll get what's coming." According to Yale's Civil Rights Archive, these lines foreshadow the trial's prejudice. Use "P.I.T." (Prejudice, Injustice, Trial) to anchor these foreboding quotes for your quiz prep.

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