On Friday, Grant's students begin planning their Christmas program, which puts Grant in a more charitable mood. When Grant goes to visit Jefferson, Paul Bonin, the young deputy, suggests they call each other by name. During his visit, Grant tries to impress upon Jefferson that he has a responsibility toward his godmother. This time, he refuses to let Jefferson get away with his crude, uncivilized behavior. Instead of ignoring his insults, he lets him know that his behavior is unacceptable and challenges him to act like a man. Apparently shocked by Grant's behavior, Jefferson expresses his pain and frustration through tears and anger.
As Grant prepares to leave the courthouse, Paul tells him that Sheriff Guidry wants to see him. After ignoring Grant for several minutes while he continues his conversation with his colleagues, Sheriff Guidry tells Grant that Tante Lou, Miss Emma, and Rev. Ambrose have been to visit his wife to ask if they could visit Jefferson in a more comfortable room. (Grant learns later that the sheriff's wife had set a precedent by inviting them to sit in her living room while her maid served them coffee.) Although initially angry because he thinks Grant has put them up to it, the sheriff eventually calms down and decides to let Jefferson choose whether he wants to meet his visitors in his cell or in the dayroom.
The sheriff keeps his promise, and the next time Miss Emma, Tante Lou, and Rev. Ambrose visit Jefferson, they meet him in the dayroom. During his next visit, Grant also meets Jefferson in the dayroom. This time, Jefferson attempts to initiate a conversation concerning his impending execution, but Grant quickly changes the subject. But when Jefferson attempts to slip back into his subhuman attitude and behavior, Grant once again challenges him, and then tries to teach him a lesson about moral obligation. Afterward, Grant meets Vivian at the Rainbow Club and convinces her that "something is changing."
