I believe that A Lesson Before Dying was a clear example of Kant’s ideology on enlightenment as well as emerson’s theory on man thinking. In the novel a plantation teacher (Grant) is persuaded to visit an innocent convicted felon (Jefferson) in prison. Reluctantly Grant agreed and from then on, his and Jeffersons lives were changed. During his trial, one of the jurors referred to Jefferson as a “hog” not only lacking respect for him as a man but overall dehumanizing him. With no education and lack of ability to decide his own fate , Jefferson doubted himself and wondered if he was even worthy of being called a man. Kant believed that enlightenment was freedom from a form of slavery and opened up opportunities. Grant provided Jefferson with knowledge; knowledge of literature and knowledge of the world. He bought him books and radios and other items that would help give him more perspective of the world. He enlightened him. Now free to think, Grant gave Jefferson the opportunity to form his own opinions, instead of those imposed on him from young. He was finally able to create his own identity with the ability to think more freely. Learning how to write gave Jefferson the ability to have a voice that could live long after he did. He exhibited what Emerson believed to be the qualities on man-thinking. He died a man.