“The Rockpile” is primarily a story about family. John’s family is mixed, with Gabriel clearly favoring his own children and not John, the product of one of Elizabeth’s previous relationships. As such, he spoils Roy and blames John and Elizabeth for anything bad that happens. John and Elizabeth have similar features, particularly “big eyes,” that remind Gabriel of their shared past and their status as others (24). John is a physical reminder of the life of sin Elizabeth lived before marrying Gabriel, so John is treated as a “stranger” in Gabriel’s family (22). But, despite being treated as lesser, John is expected to protect Roy fully like a brother. While it is clear Gabriel runs a strict house and expects a traditional patriarchal arrangement, he does not apply force or love evenly. As a reverend, he presents himself as a good and loving man to the world, but he is neither at home. The anticipation and threat of violence is enough to terrify John, for whom the history of abuse is likely worse than the incidents depicted in the book. Clearly, the Grimes’ household is not a loving home; it is one of fear and violence.

Violence is everywhere in John and Roy’s world.