Red Sky at Morning Essay

There are many different people in this world, which can account for the reason why there are so many stereotypes. To express these stereotypes and opinions in writings or conversation satire is often used. In Red Sky at Morning, written by Richard Bradford, the author uses this technique in specific characters to criticize the south. Jimbob Buel, who is friend of the Arnold family, portrays the stereotype of a southern man. Jimbob takes southern hospitality and completely depends on the Arnold family, he also fulfills the racism and prejudice stereotype, which shows pride in the south.

Hospitality is a stereotypical trait of Southern people that is the foundation for Branford’s use of ridicule. The warmth and nice thing that hospitality can provide is now looked upon as something that can also be taken advantage of and misused. An example of this is when Bradford shows that if we are too nice and offer too many dinners it turns into an ongoing thing. "And you get a superlative amount of free victuals over here, too, don't you Buel boy? When's the last time you missed a meal with us?"(3). Josh is simply asking Jimbob if thinks he has stayed long enough. Bradford clearly shows that the hospitality that Southern people offer is something that is welcomed to use but that the approach of Jimbob expressed how this hospitality can be taken advantage of. This theme can be seen by the way he took advantage of them in mobile and then onto Sagrado. Not only did he mooch off of them in Mobile, but he followed them all the way to Sagrado. Sagrado is a place that shows how out of character Jimbob is in this new surrounding. It is by these worlds that even people question Jimbobs presence and motives. "'Mr. Buel how come you left civilization? Isn't life around here a little too crude for you?' 'I thought that it would be beneficial if I brought a little breath of culture here. There apparently isn't a decent bridge player or a drinkable bottle of bourbon in the area."(58). Sagrado is a very different place from Mobile and Jimbob simply does not belong. He is very out of place in Sagrado since the people and the culture are so different. This is a perfect way for Bradford to demonstrate the humor of stereotyping by Jimbob taking advantage of this Southern hospitality and not appreciating the true value of it. Bradford mocks the Southern culture with the use of this character.

The south has been viewed as a rather racist mentality. It is the use of Jimbobs character that helps the authors satirical voice come through. An example of this is Jimbob’s reaction to Lacey, a black girl who was singing. It was when Ann came out with the statement that since Lacey is black she should know all the slavery songs by heart. It was Jimbob who agreed with this statement that allows the authors voice to be heard."…Mother and Jimbob and Corky just beamed and congratulated themselves on their appreciation of the genuine, right-from-the-belly, folk music."(9). Little does Jimbob or anyone else know this genuine Negro spiritual Lacey is singing was taught to her by Josh one weekend. This racist comment that just because someone is of a certain race does not mean they are all the same. Later in the novel Jimbob is racist towards Amadeo. Jimbob looks down upon him and bosses him around. Jimbob tells Amadeo to do work even though Jimbob has no authority over him. Bradford writes, "'Amadeo,' Jimbob would say, 'now that the last snow has melted, don't you think that it would be a good idea to mound some humus around those rose trees?' Amadeo would touch the bill of his hat. 'I think you have a face like a peccary and smell like a Taos whore.'"(58). Jimbob treats Amadeo with less respect because they work for the household,