"Things in Outside are tricksy"

At this point in Room, Jack is discovering lots of new things, some of which are only somewhat new to him, having been previously displayed on the TV, and some of which are entirely new to him. The way that he describes these new objects is very interesting and points to his overall attitude when it comes to things he doesn’t know.

Here are some examples from the beginning of the chapter “After” of objects which are new to Jack:

• “It’s dark but then there’s lights quick like fireworks” pg. 159

This is Jack’s description of the cameras taking photos. The interesting aspect of this description is the use of fireworks as his example. He has seen the use of fireworks on TV, probably on the Fourth of July, but he hasn’t seen cameras before. He also very aptly describes microphones as “black fat sticks.”

• “A thing like a spaceship all lit up with things inside all in their little squares like bags of chips and chocolate bars” pg. 160

There is little direct interpretation of Jack’s mental state to be taken from this quote other than the clear childishness in it and the absolute cuteness of his description. However, later when they pass the “amazing machine” again, Jack comments, “I wish I knowed the code to let them out” (161). This is a meaningful description because it clues the reader into how much Jack’s way of thinking has been influenced by Room, particularly the last little while he was in Room when he started realizing that they were really trapped and not having a wonderful life.

• "I don’t like a clever toilet looking at our butts.”

This quote is comedic, following Jack’s first interaction with an automatic toilet in the police station.

• “It’s a huge glass with corners but instead of cans and chocolate there’s fish alive, swimming and hiding with rocks” pg. 163-164

It’s incredible to see how quickly Jack’s mind adapts to new environments as he compares a new object to something else he was introduced to only a few minutes previously. Also, this quote makes Jack seem more like a normal child, as he is similarly pulled by the concept of fish swimming around a tank (ex. Fish tanks in dentist’s offices, doctor’s offices).

• “Things in Outside are tricksy” pg. 162

This is the quintessential statement, describing every new item and concept that Jack discovers during the next few days and all the time that he spends in Outside. Though I suspect he’ll learn more about his new world during the next while, I suspect it might take him a while to truly get over some of those Room-isms. 

"I was crying."

“I was crying.”

The last sentence of A Lesson Before Dying. Narrated by Grant as he returns to his classroom at the end of the book, it is a very meaningful and demonstrative sentence. It represents Grant’s character growth, both as a regular person in the story and as a heroic figure. Throughout the novel, I have struggled to view Grant as the hero (assuming, of course, that there can only be one hero), looking instead to Jefferson as the main heroic character. This final line reassured me of Grant’s heroism.

The aspects of a heroic journey are present throughout Grant’s story. At the beginning of the book, he repeatedly refuses the call before finally acquiescing. Even as he begins to visit Jefferson on a regular basis, he continues to refuse the call, acting like a stubborn teenager sneaking home after visits. In my opinion, Grant doesn’t fully accept the call until chapter 22, when he offers to bring Jefferson the radio. Before this, Grant seems more aloof to me, not putting effort into creating a connection with Jefferson. But, starting here, with the offer of a radio, Grant begins to strengthen his connection with Jefferson, convincing him to be more open to conversing with Miss Emma, bringing him treats, and offering him a way to express himself through writing. Though Grant does go against Paul’s advice and becomes close to Jefferson during this time, their connection is good for both of their heroic journeys.

Grant’s heroic journey is also not lacking in obstacles. From the physical obstacle of being searched at the jail to the mental obstacle of considering his work to be futile, Grant has to go through a lot in order to believe that he can make a difference in Jefferson’s life, and really in the lives of all of the residents of the community.

In the end, Jefferson becomes evidence of how teaching is not futile, how Grant had simply not been teaching the right things. In a way, I believe Reverend Ambrose was right, Grant did not understand people. He, like Jefferson, didn’t really understand what it was to care for someone. As Grant taught Jefferson that he was cared for, Jefferson taught Grant what it was to truly care for someone, not simply to depend on them. When Grant cries, he is acknowledging what he has learned and what he has taught, and I suspect, imagine, hope, that this influences how he teaches in the future.