In Ernest J. Gaines, "The Sky is Gray," is a story of a woman during World War II, who is faced with the challenges of raising and providing for her family financially in the absent of her husband because of the war. Her realistic attitude about her role as head of the family in the absent of her husband has changed her dramatically. The happy and cheerful social person Octavia once was is transformed into an abusive, demanding, but compassionate woman.

Octavia, the mother who assumes the role as head of the family abusive behavior is describe by James, her son, in which his description fosters that of a tuff, no nonsense kind of woman. Her abusiveness can be seen in many instances, for example, the constant "whipping" of Ty, another one of her sons, because of his fear of "ghosts" (4). Another prime example and show of Octavia's abusive trait as depicted by James, "She slapped me again" (67), and "She star

III. Octavia is compassionate in many respects.

A. The constant "whipping" of Ty, who is fearful of ghosts marks Octavia's abusive behavior (paragraph 4).

B. She also demands respectfulness from her children.

Thesis: The happy and cheerful social person Octavia once was has transformed into an abusive, demanding, but compassionate woman.

II. Octavia becomes quite demanding in her new role.

A. She demands James to fetch and kill.

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Approximate Word count = 665
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)