Contrast how John and Roy view the rockpile in "The Rockpile" by James Baldwin.

In "The Rockpile" by James Baldwin, John and Roy were the children of Elizabeth. John was her first born. He was born out of wedlock. Roy was Elizabeth's eldest child with Gabriel, a pastor.

The boys were frequently warned not to play in the rock pile because it was dangerous. John heeded this warning while Roy was tempted to play in the rock pile by the neighborhood children. Unfortunately, Roy was hurt on the day he disobeyed the warnings.