The Young Black Man

The young black man is one of the protagonists of this story. He is never named, so the reader is kept at a distance from the character. His introduction into the story involves him talking to an old man about the possibility of catching fish that afternoon. Despite the old man’s opinion that there would be no fish because of the heat, the black man brings his fishing equipment. This highlights the black man’s determination and hope. Two features of his character that later become threatened by a conversation with his lover.

The young black man’s hopeful attitude is undermined when he talks to the young woman about her possible pregnancy. He is unwaveringly opposed to the notion that everything will be resolved. Instead, Banks portrays him as pessimistic and defeated. The development of the black man’s character, from hopeful to...