In "Life on the Color Line," the narrator, Gregory Howard Williams, receives shocking news on his way to Muncie, Indiana, that his father has died unexpectedly. This news upends his expectations for the visit in two significant ways:
1. Expectation vs. Reality of Reuniting with His Father:
At the beginning of the story, the narrator expects to reunite with his father after being separated for several years due to his parents' divorce. He anticipates a joyful and emotional reunion, hoping to mend their fractured relationship. However, the reality of his father's sudden death shatters these expectations, leaving him with unresolved feelings and deep grief.
2. Expectation vs. Reality of Discovering His Family's History:
The narrator also expects to learn more about his family's history and heritage during his visit to Muncie. He imagines reconnecting with his roots and gaining a sense of belonging. However, the reality of confronting racism, poverty, and social injustices in Muncie challenges his idealized view of his family's past and forces him to confront harsh truths about society's inequalities.
These disparities between expectation and reality shape the narrator's journey of self-discovery and understanding throughout the narrative.