Final answer:
Elizabeth's gaze towards Roy during her conversation in 'The Rockpile' likely indicates that her words are directed at him, possibly because he is more likely to engage in the cautioned behavior, which in the context seems to be sneaking off to the rock pile.
Step-by-step explanation:
The passage from “The Rockpile” by James Baldwin suggests that the reason Elizabeth looks at Roy as she talks to the boys is because of his behavior and inclinations. Without the full context of the passage, it is challenging to provide a definitive answer. However, if Elizabeth is looking at Roy while speaking, it might imply that her words are particularly directed at him due to his actions or character. In literature, such a description often suggests that the character being looked at is the focus of concern or the main subject of the conversation.
Considering the possible choices:
- John has already promised to never go to the rock pile, but Roy has not.
- Roy is hard of hearing, but John is not.
- Roy is more likely to sneak off and go to the rock pile and play than John is.
- Elizabeth cares more about Roy than she does about John.
The option that Elizabeth looks at Roy because he is more likely to sneak off and go to the rock pile is a plausible interpretation based on common literary devices where attention is given to characters who are more prone to engage in the subject of the conversation, in this case, venturing to the rock pile.