Student Question
Where are the characters in The Rockpile when the story begins?
Quick answer:
At the story's beginning, the characters are positioned relative to the rockpile. John Grimes and his family live across the street from it. John's half-brother Roy is observing other boys playing on the rockpile. Their mother, Elizabeth, has forbidden them from playing there due to its danger, similar to the nearby Harlem River. The rockpile is a central element in their neighborhood.
At the beginning of the story, everyone is described in some sense according to their relationship, geographically, to the rockpile itself.
John Grimes and his family live directly across the street from the geological formation. John's half brother Roy, who is often found playing on the rocks themselves, is watching some other African American boys scuffle on the rocks.
Elizabeth, their mother, makes her relationship clear with it as she has forbidden them and all their siblings from playing on it, it is dangerous like the Harlem River, also a part of their neighborhood, and as such should be avoided.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.