The Rockpile

After it is clear that Roy’s wounds are only superficial, the tension in the Grimes family stems from assigning blame for the incident. Gabriel is determined to blame anyone but Roy for his actions. He first attempts to blame Elizabeth for the wound, telling her “it sure ain’t [her] fault that [Roy] ain’t dead” and asking where she was when Roy went downstairs (23). When Elizabeth is quick to defend herself, Gabriel attempts to blame John, asking him why he didn’t tell Elizabeth that Roy was downstairs. Elizabeth interrupts to tell Gabriel it was his fault if it was anyone’s—because Gabriel spoils Roy, Roy thinks “he can just do anything and get away with it” (24). As is evidenced by Roy’s refusal to punish Roy, this theory holds water.

Beyond the immediate issue of who is responsible for Roy’s actions, the story also explores the subject of familial responsibility more generally. The implication in the story is that John owes something to everyone in the family. He is supposed to watch over Roy as his older brother, even if Roy is uncontrollable. And he owes obedience to his mother and to Gabriel. Although he tries his best to live up to these responsibilities, he is given very little in return.