The Sky is Gray and Mr. Parker Essay Example

causing trouble and constantly sought ways to assist his family. For example, when his mother planned a dentist appointment for him, James tried to evade it by stating, "It ain't hurting me no more, I can eat anything on it" (Gaines 324). In contrast, Janie displayed no inclination towards assisting her parents.

Janie's mother suggests that she should have piano lessons with Mrs. Murchison instead of Mr. Parker, which greatly upsets Janie causing her to storm out of the room. Later, when the topic is brought up again, Janie expresses her frustration by sticking her fork into a potato in an attempt to hold back tears and dramatically states that she would rather hang herself than go back to Mrs. Murchison.

Both James and Janie believe that many adults see young teenagers as ignorant about the world. This is evident when James and his mother encounter an elderly woman at the dentist's office who mocks a young boy for disagreeing with her. Similarly, Janie feels that her piano teacher treats her students like babies. Janie expresses this frustration because of Mrs. Murchison's treatment of her.

Murchison's students are playing music from "Little Classics for Children" (Colwin 70), indicating Mrs. Murchison's doubt in their ability to handle more complex compositions by Bach or Beethoven, according to Janie. Additionally, James and Janie do not realize that they are seen as adults only within their own social circle, not society in general. Because of their limited finances, James and his mother must walk home instead of taking a bus.

James adjusts the collar of his jacket to protect his neck from the cold weather. His mother scolds him for this action, saying

"You are not a bum, you are a man" (Gaines 348). If James' family had more money, they wouldn't have to walk home and James' mother wouldn't have the chance to emphasize that he is a man rather than a bum. Janie also wouldn't have been able to overhear Mr.

Parker commends Janie for her musical abilities despite her family's inability to afford piano lessons. It will likely be a while before Janie truly considers herself an adult. Both James and Janie share the common experience of realizing their adulthood through their social class, although there is a significant difference between them. After receiving praise as an adult, James is the only one who feels an elevation in his social status.

Despite not being explicitly mentioned in the text, it is evident from the entirety of the short story that James believes he is superior to a "poor black boy". He has received the ultimate reward, his mother's admiration. Additionally, one's personality plays a crucial role in adulthood, as evidenced by James and Janie's initial reactions when they are treated as adults. Ironically, once Janie finally attains maturity, she reverts back to childish behavior, as evident when she walks home slowly, conflicted by both fear and happiness.

Janie, after being praised for her adult-like performance, felt a sense of closure within herself. She sought solace under a tree and expressed her emotions like a crying baby (Colwin 71). The underlying cause of Janie's tears is her deep-rooted childlike nature. Being thrust into an adult realm, where she is acknowledged as a grown-up, Janie has no choice but to rely on her childhood sentiments and behaviors. Despite not losing

her entire youth, Janie undeniably embraces her maturity as a woman. Conversely, James does not shed any tears.

Even though the story fails to explain what happened after James received praise, it is implied that he has become a fully grown adult. James' personality is characterized by a loving and strong-willed nature, indicating that he will never act like a child again. Similarly, both James and Janie share a similar attitude. They both show respect to those they desire and disrespect to those they dislike. For instance, Janie treats her piano teacher with respect, while she displays a lot of impertinence towards her parents because they refuse to let her take piano lessons with him.

Both Parker and James engage in similar behavior. They both speak rudely to a girl they meet on the bus, with James even contemplating violence ("I [James] don't want to have to bust her in the mouth" - Gaines 329). However, when it comes to their mothers, they express great admiration. Undoubtedly, the process of coming of age is immensely frustrating but serves as a crucial aspect of adolescence.

Both James from "The Sky is Gray" by Ernest J. Gaines and Janie from "Mr. Parker" by Laurie Colwin are children who strive to imitate adults in order to gain respect from other adults.

Their thought process, social standing, and personality greatly influence their journey towards maturity. According to Thomas Huxley in "Life and Letters of Thomas Huxley," he articulates that a ladder's rung is not meant for permanent rest but to provide support for a person's foot while they strive to reach higher. Similarly, James and Janie find themselves in a constant pursuit of

adulthood, yearning for the next step in their life's ladder as they leave behind their childhood.