Dr. Morgan's visit and the delivery of the first load of wood are two annual highlights of the school year and establish a sense of continuity for Grant and his students. The events emphasize that little has changed over the years, and that Grant's primary role as a teacher is to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, Matthew Antoine, and maintain the status quo. Note, however, that these rituals are set against the backdrop of the grinding season, a ritual that defines the rhythm of life for these poor Southern blacks. Note also that Grant's visits with Jefferson and Jefferson's impending execution are about to disrupt the day-to-day rituals of both the black community and the white community. Therefore, although Jefferson is imprisoned, he is destined to become a powerful catalyst for change.
In Chapter 7, Dr. Morgan's visit illustrates the disparity between black and white schools and the dismal lack of communication between black teachers and white administrators. It also illustrates the institutional racism rampant in the Southern educational system and the indifference of Southern whites to the plight of black students and teachers.
Dr. Morgan's approach to the school is heralded by "a thick cloud of gray dust." Later, as Grant watches Dr. Morgan inspect the students' teeth, he is reminded of how slave masters used to inspect their slaves' limbs and teeth. And although Grant resents Dr. Morgan's callousness, he realizes there is nothing he can do about it. Here again, Gaines' humor lends a welcome sense of comic relief to an otherwise painful situation — for example, note the description of Dr. Morgan, who communicates largely in terms of grunts and groans; Dr. Morgan's calling on the so-called worst student in the class; Dr. Morgan's lecture on "beans, beans, beans"; and his referring to Grant Wiggins as "Higgins," a possible allusion to Professor Henry Higgins, who turns a slum girl into a "lady" in George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion. The inability of the school superintendent to remember Grant's name also reflects blacks' loss of identity within the white community. Dr. Morgan does not really see or hear Grant during the visit; rather, he sees and hears only what he wants to.
