This paper examines how through Ernest J. Gaines's novel "A
Lesson Before Dying" and Wendell Berry's "Hannah Coulter", we
can see the importance of giving the
living a lesson about death. It looks at how death is viewed in both stories as a natural part of life and as something that should be used to educate the living. It shows how in "A Lesson Before Dying", this education occurs through Jefferson's character, when he is told to die with pride and therefore set an example for others, demonstrating to them that there is nothing to fear from death. It also discusses how in "Hannah Coulter", the idea of dying with
dignity is demonstrated through Nathan's traumatic struggles with the fact that he watched so many die without dignity.