Something is changing. These two chapters mark a decided change in the relationships among several characters. Note that all the changes begin with personal conversations between two individuals. Also note that although the changes ultimately take place among the men, it is the women (Edna Guidry, Miss Emma, Tante Lou, and Vivian) who provide much of the catalyst for change.
Chapter 17 consists of a series of conversations between Grant and Paul, Grant and Jefferson, and Grant and Sheriff Guidry, respectively. Note that all three conversations focus on Jefferson, and that each conversation not only triggers a change in the relationship between the two speakers, but it also marks a shift in the speaker's attitude toward Jefferson.
The first conversation (between Grant and Paul) marks a change in the relationship between the two men when Paul introduces himself and suggests he and Grant address each other by name. It also foreshadows a shift in the relationship between blacks and whites, manifested in the Civil Rights movement. The second conversation (between Grant and Jefferson) begins to break down the defensive wall that Jefferson has built around himself, thus leading him toward a growing awareness of himself as a human being worthy of dignity and respect. The third conversation (between Grant and Sheriff Guidry) marks a subtle change between Grant and Sheriff Guidry, and a significant change between Sheriff Guidry and Jefferson: For the first time, the sheriff ignores the advice of his colleagues when he decides to give Jefferson a choice about whether he will meet his visitors in his cell or in the dayroom. Grant is also undergoing profound changes: Despite his attempt to remain detached and uninvolved, he begins to have dreams in which he is the one about to be executed. (Through his subsequent conversation with Vivian, we learn that Grant's concern over Jefferson has also begun to affect his sex life.) Consequently, we realize that, subconsciously, Grant is beginning to identify with Jefferson and to recognize the racial and filial bonds that bind him to his "brother." In essence, as Grant begins to undergo a process of transformation, he begins to connect with Jefferson and to influence the transformation of others. Note, however, that when Jefferson responds to his invitation to "talk" and broaches the subject of his impending execution, Grant quickly changes the subject, indicating that he is not yet prepared to deal with the real issue.
