The paper deals with a Lesson Before Dying and it basically discuss the problem of a lesson that may be learned from this. In other words, the paper is about the main message of a Lesson Before Dying which is treated as a constant struggle for better and may be briefly summarize as the appeal to die good and remain a good and respected person.
The problem of life and death has always been one of the most important problems
that disturbed mankind in all epochs, regardless cultural, philosophical, or
religious traditions. This is why the problem of life and death finds its reflection
in many works of art, literature and cinematography. One of such works is a
Lesson Before Dying which actually is extremely interesting to analyze since
it suggest the audience to think over the problem of the way they live. To put
it more precisely, the creator of a Lesson Before Dying probably intended to
make the audience think what each individual has already done and what will
remain after him/her after his/her death. Obviously, a Lesson Before Dying suggest
that it is extremely important to lead a good life in order to preserve basic
human values in the world even after the death. This is why, it is possible
to presuppose that the main lesson each individual should learn from a Lesson
Before Dying is live in accordance with humanistic laws and live in such a way
that a person would not die regretfully.
In this respect, it is necessary to point out that a Lesson Before Dying is
one of the works which promote the idea of self sacrifice for the mankind sake,
or, to put it more precisely, for the sake of the principle ideas which keep
the whole mankind alive and highly moral. It is obvious that the creator of
A Lesson Before Dying is extremely concerned on the human life and the role
an individual should play in it.
At the same time, it is necessary to point out that a highly philosophical message
probably forced the creator of a Lesson Before Dying to convey his ideas in
extreme situations. In fact, it is unquestionable true that the real individuality,
the real human nature may be revealed in extreme situations when the question
of life and death is more than actual and when the human life is at stake. Obviously,
the creator of a Lesson Before Dying prefers to live and die without breaking
basic human laws and probably this work represents an attempt to show that each
individual has an opportunity to change his/her life completely, to make it
really humanistic and do something good even if it is the last thing he/she
can do in his/her life.
Thus, taking into account all above mentioned, it is possible to conclude that
a Lesson Before Dying suggest the audience to reevaluate its views on life and
realize that everything may be changed. At the same time, it is never late to
change the life for better and reveal positive traits of character or even commit
some heroic or humanistic acts even if it threats to end the entire life of
the individual.
Bibliography:
1. Bagdikian, Ben H. The Media Monopoly, Sixth Edition, Beacon Press, 2000.
The author discusses the impact of the contemporary media, notably television
on individuals’ psychology and philosophy. This book is particularly noteworthy
because it helps to better understand the extent to which the message of a movie
may influence the audience.
2. Bordwell, D. and K. Thompson. Film Art. New York: New Publishers, 2004.
The authors discuss the main trends of the contemporary film industry and dwell
upon some movies, among which a Lesson Before Dying is also discussed as one
of the works of the contemporary cinematography.
3. Chomsky, Naom. “What Makes Mainstream Media Mainstream”, Z Magazine,
June, 1997.
In this article, again the impact of media, notably television is discussed.
It is particularly helpful for understanding the role of such works as a Lesson
Before Dying in promotion humanistic ideas.
4. Lewis, G. Cinematography. LA: McGraw Hill, 2001.
The author discusses the problem of cinematography and its development that
helps to better understand the socio-cultural context of a Lesson Before Dying.
5. Prestage Jon. The Philosophical Value of the Contemporary Films. LA: McGraw
Hill, 2002.
In this book the author is particularly focused on the philosophical context
of the contemporary films that helps better and fully understand their main
messages to the audience.
6. Robbins, Richard. The World Culture and Cinematography. New York: New Publishers,
2003.
The author vividly depicts interrelation between culture and cinematography
and underlines the increasing role and impact of cinematography on the world
culture. As a result, it helps better understand the role of a Lesson Before
Dying for the world culture.
7. Russel, B. (1997). The Value of Philosophy. New York: Lynne Rienner Pub.
Basically, the author is focused on philosophical problems but it obviously
helps better understand the message of a Lesson Before Dying as a product of
the contemporary thought, philosophy and culture.
8. Stevenson, J. F. Literature and Cinematography. New York: Touchstone, 2002.
The book builds up parallels between literature and cinematography that helps
realize that themes of a Lesson Before Dying are not actually unique and new
but are rather a continuation of works created by different authors and directors.
9. Wilson, J. The New Wave. Chicago: Roputledge, 2001.
The author discusses the basic trends in the contemporary cinematography, which
a Lesson Before Dying constitutes a part of.
