Sweet Potato Pie

In “Sweet Potato Pie,” Charley believes that Buddy needs to look “right.” For example, he fixes Buddy’s tie for graduation and will not let Buddy carry the brown paper bag into the hotel. Why might Charley be so focused on Buddy’s appearance? What does this focus reveal about Charley? Write an expository paragraph in which you explore why Charley believes Buddy must look like a “somebody.” What might this belief reveal about society as a whole?