“The Rockpile”
by James Baldwin
1. Find three details that describe the physical environment—the landmarks of the neighborhood.
1.)
2.)
3.)
2. Setting is more than the physical place. Find three details that describe the psychological environment of the
story’s setting, the mood, and atmosphere of the neighborhood.
1.)
2.)
3.)
3. What are some potential dangers the setting presents?
4. In what ways do you think the setting has influenced Gabriel’s and Elizabeth’s decisions about how to raise
children?
5. What causes John to avoid telling his mother that Roy went to the rockpile?
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What is the effect of his delay?
6. What are the causes of Elizabeth’s protectiveness toward John (Why does Elizabeth protect John)?
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What is the effect on Gabriel of this protectiveness (How does Gabriel react to her protectiveness)?
7. Analyze the rockpile as the main symbol in the story. Use this chart to help you.
What people
say about it
Events linked
with it
Details used
to describe
what it means
8. Explain the role religion plays in the story.
9. Explain John’s relationship with Gabriel. Why is it different from Roy’s relationship with Gabriel? How
does the final image of the story play into this relationship?
10. What are two important themes in “The Rockpile?” Why are these themes significant?