Quiz questions
A Lesson Before Dying
Ernest J. Gaines
Reading comprehension quiz questions for A Lesson Before Dying — use them as a reading-check starter, a self-study tool, or a quick assessment. Answers are included below each question.
**Quiz Question — *A Lesson Before Dying* by Ernest J. Gaines** At the start of the novel, Jefferson's defense attorney likens him to which animal to argue that he couldn't possibly plan a murder? A) A dog B) A hog C) A mule D) A horse **Correct Answer: B) A hog** *Explanation: In the trial, Jefferson's defense attorney refers to him as a "hog," suggesting that he isn't any more capable of planning a crime than a hog would be. This dehumanizing comparison serves as a key symbol throughout the novel, highlighting Jefferson's struggle to reclaim his humanity and dignity before his execution.*
ap_lit · common_core · ib_lang_lit
In Ernest Gaines's *A Lesson Before Dying*, which insulting term does Jefferson's defense attorney use to refer to Jefferson during the trial, later becoming a key symbol in the novel? A) A dog B) A hog C) A mule D) A beast **Correct Answer: B) A hog** *The defense attorney refers to Jefferson as a "hog" to argue that he lacks the intelligence or moral responsibility for the crime — a degrading comparison that both Grant Wiggins and Jefferson must confront and rise above throughout the story.*
ap_lit · common_core · ib_lang_lit
In Ernest Gaines's *A Lesson Before Dying*, what dehumanizing term does Jefferson's defense attorney use to refer to Jefferson during the trial, which becomes a significant source of anguish and motivation throughout the novel? A) "animal" B) "hog" C) "savage" D) "beast" **Correct Answer: B) "hog"** *The defense attorney claims that executing Jefferson would be akin to putting a hog in the electric chair, suggesting he lacks the intelligence and humanity to be held morally accountable. This comparison deeply affects Jefferson and fuels Grant Wiggins's mission to ensure Jefferson dies with dignity as a man.*
ap_lit · common_core · ib_lang_lit
These quiz questions are part of Storgy's free teacher toolkit for A Lesson Before Dying. For a full study guide with chapter summaries, characters, themes, and key quotes, visit the A Lesson Before Dying study guide. To browse quiz questions for other works, return to the Quiz Questions hub.