Ths Sky is Gray Discussion Questions-English 1301 Fall 2023
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English
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Jan 9, 2024
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Uploaded by AdmiralGrousePerson914
Houston Community College English
1301
Professor Hinchen-Bryan
“The Sky is Gray” Discussion Questions
Directions: Type your answer to the following questions on this sheet in a different color
and submit it canvas by Saturday, September 30, 2023 by 11:59 p.m.
1.
What exemplifies the American national narrative in the story “The Sky
is Gray” by Ernest J. Gaines? How do the African Americans relate to the American national narrative in the story?
The American National narrative in “The sky is gray” is exemplified through the character of James experiences and desires. He begins to
partake in adult type responsibilities, but he also craves material and intellectual advancements. African Americans relate to the national narrative through their aspirations for a better future and their perseverance in the face of adversity. It also highlights the difficulties African Americans went through during this period.
2.
What does James learn about Jim Crow laws on his trip to town?
James witnesses segregated facilities, such as waiting rooms, the bus,
cafes and so on.
3.
As a whole, is Gaines' work concerned with the character and society,
human nature and values, or the nature of our existence?
I think the work is concerned with and explores all the three subjects of
character and society, human nature and values and the nature of existence throughout the story.
4.
Describe the antagonist in Gaines' story.
I think the antagonist in the story is racism and prejudice that was present in the segregated south during the period. (World war 2)
5.
Discuss the different conflicts of the story.
I think the prevalent conflicts here are man vs. society (racial discrimination) and the struggles and hardships of life in the general. The characters in the story face the challenges of poverty, living in a racially segregated society.
6.
Does James' mother have to support the family by herself? "The Sky is
Gray
James’ Mother has to support her family on her own by working the fields while her husband is has been drafted into the war.
7.
In "The Sky is Gray" why does the young man say that the grass is black, and the sky is pink, and turn the other cheek as the old man hits
him?
The young man makes these claims to show how many people do not question what they are told, but instead believe it purely because they have been told it is the truth.
8.
In "The Sky Is Gray," how are passivity and active agency used to work out problems?
An example of a scenario where passivity Is used to work out problems was when Octavia accepts the food from the old lady, while active agency is used when she pushes and points a knife at the amn who get her to dance with him.
9.
What is a good thesis statement for the short story "The Sky is Gray" by Ernest J. Gaines? A good thesis statement could be: In “The sky is gray” Ernest J. Gaines splendidly portrays the harsh realities of racial segregation in the segregated south during World War 2. He illustrates the impact of discrimination on the lives of African Americans, while also highlighting
their resilience.
10.
What is the parent-child relationship in "The Sky is Gray" The parent-child relationship between James and his mother is characterized by love, sacrifice, guidance and resilience. 11.
Would you say James is a man in the story "The Sky is Gray"? Why or why not?
I think he is a child but being the oldest make in the household since his father was at war he had to step up and help his mom, taking up responsibilities that a man would. Knowing that James would have to take full responsibility, one day Octavia teaches him how to be a gentleman, which he becomes at the end of the story.
12.
Contrast the nurse’s behavior toward James and Octavia with the old lady’s treatment of them. What is the significance of this contrast? The nurse is an ignorant white person who doesn’t care about the struggles of the African American community at the time, meanwhile the old lady who tries to understand their struggles is empathetic and offers them help, in the form of food and warmth.
13.
What is the difference between the old woman and Octavia in "The Sky is Gray"?
The old woman is a very charitable person, while Octavia is a proud woman who refuses to accept handouts and believes in working hard for your needs and earn your money.
14.
In "The Sky is Gray", why does the old woman ask James to take
the garbage can out when there is no trash in it?
Octavia is too proud to take any food or charity from the old woman, so, in order to make Octavia feel that she and her son have worked for
and earned the meal, the old woman asks James to take out the trash.
15.
Can you relate to this story? Explain.
I can’t relate to this story because I don’t think I have ever been in such a hard and challenging situation, racism, poverty. I definitely can’t
relate to the suffering and hardships going on for the African American
community at the time.
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