A well-written novel will have significant meaning that can easily be found throughout the novel. Understanding and using effective narrative elements will help make the story stronger. Ernest J. Gaines is a very effective narrator due to his use of symbolism. Show symbolism through the pig, food and notebook. To begin with, the first symbol to have a significant meaning is the pig. During the trial in which Jefferson is accused of robbery and first-degree murder, Jefferson's lawyer attempts to declare him innocent by humiliating him and mocking his intelligence. Saying he didn't have an "ounce of intelligence" (Gaines, seven years old) to commit such a crime. He then goes on to compare Jefferson to a pig: "Why, I'd put a pig in the electric chair like this right now" (Gaines, eight). This is effective because this sentence begins to develop the conflict for the rest of the novel. Furthermore, Miss Emma desperately wants Grant to convince Jefferson that he is not a pig by saying, "I don't want them to kill no pigs... I want a man to go in that chair, with his own legs." (Gaines, thirteen). This is effective as a narrator because it begins to develop the theme of blacks wanting to show whites that they are equal. Additionally, Jefferson has started acting like a pig and eats the food Miss Emma sends him on his knees, because "that's how an old pig eats." (Gaines, eighty-three). This is effective as a narrator because it shows that Jefferson let white people treat him badly. Therefore, the pig has significant meaning because it is an animal usually seen as dirty and this represents how whites have treated blacks; like ugly and silly animals. The pig represents how blacks were viewed at...... middle of paper ......which helps Jefferson write in the notebook as if writing a letter to Grant, which suggests that Jefferson is addressing Grant to have guidance even when he is alone in his cell. Furthermore, the notebook symbolizes hope for future collaboration not only between blacks, but between blacks and whites, as Paul, the white congressman, delivers the letter. book to Grant and asks to shake his hand. "Paul held out his hand. 'Let me be your friend, Grant Wiggins...'" (Gaines, 255). Therefore, the notebook symbolizes reconnections with society itself, reconnections of friends and of different races. In conclusion, Gaines uses the pig, food, and notebook to represent larger meanings. This is effective as a narrator because it represents a meaning that goes beyond the actual words spoken.