The Sky Is Grey By Ernest J. Gaines

The young man with the book is a flat yet functional character that keeps the story moving by the use of conflict. The conversation between the young man, the preacher and the ladies provides one of several conflicts within the story and helps to draw a picture of the times. It is easily determined that the story takes place prior to the civil rights period, a time in which Black people are expected to stay "in their place" and not question authority. The young man represents change and the difference between generations. James' mother keeps to herself and does not engage in the conversations and has taught James to be respectful of his elders and mind his own business. The young man challenges this way of thinking and shows a different perspective to James. James is obviously interested in what the young man has to say, as he was quite impressed with the young man's appearance when he entered the office. James' intrigue is again obvious when he can not help but steal another look at the young man after the preacher eyes all of the people in the waiting room to get their support of his viewpoint. The young man questions how Black people came to believe what they do. James has probably never met anyone like this young man and has always just accepted the truths that have been told to him without considering from where these truths originated.