Analyzing the Role of Octavia in Ernest J. Gaines's The Sky is Gray

This assignment analyzes the character of Octavia in Ernest J. Gaines's 'The Sky is Gray.' It explores her role as a strong, confident mother and her influence on her son, James. The assignment highlights Octavia's efforts to instill values of independence, responsibility, and pride in James, particularly in the face of poverty and racial discrimination. It delves into specific instances such as her refusal to accept free food and her teachings on how to face the social system. The assignment also references the themes of black pride and the challenges faced by African Americans. It emphasizes how Octavia prepares James for the harsh realities of life, shaping his character and preparing him to become a man. This assignment provides a comprehensive understanding of Octavia's significance in the story and her impact on James's life journey.

Running head: ROLE OF OCTAVIA IN THE SKY IS GRAY
Role of Octavia in The Sky is Gray
Name of the Student:
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Author Note:

1ROLE OF OCTAVIA IN THE SKY IS GRAY
The Sky is Gray is a well-known book written by Earnest J. Gaines, published in the
year 1995. The main plot of the story revolves around the narration of a day in the life of a poor
African boy James and his mother that depicts the theme of black pride in an intolerable poverty-
stricken condition (Gale). James’s mother Octavia is presented as the epitome of strength and
confidence who stands out to be one of the most courageous mothers of all times.
In the first part, Octavia beats James when he refused to kill the birds that would serve to
be their meal. He is praised for killing the birds as is described in the part-“Then we all ate them.
Ain’t had but a little bitty piece each…….and everybody just looked at me ‘cause they was so
proud” (Gale).Working hard for what we want is the basic knowledge that James learnt through
the rebukes of his mother. He realized that what his mother wanted was to make him strong and
responsible so that he replaces her when she would be no more to cater to the family.
When an old woman offered food free, Octavia refused to take that, teaching James to be
independent without resorting to free rides in life. In their visit to a dentist, James hears the
conversation between a black preacher and a young student about challenging the racist social
system. Octavia teaches James not to speak to justify himself in any situation but to show his
freedom through actions. She conveys James to stand bold and straight and act as a proud
individual to face the discrepancies (Manes). Octavia thus tried to incorporate manhood in the
young boy so that he is able to survive in any condition that life brings for him.

2ROLE OF OCTAVIA IN THE SKY IS GRAY
References:
Gale, Cengage Learning. A Study Guide for Ernest J. Gaines's" Sky Is Gray". Gale, Cengage
Learning, 2016.
Manes, Claire. "Reading Ivan Turgenev with Ernest J. Gaines: Analyzing Fathers and Sons and
Catherine Carmier." Studies in the Literary Imagination 49.1 (2016): 77-92.