Commentary on Roll Of Thunder, Hear My Cry Essay

For those of us who care about children and their literature have an obligation to inform ourselves of the best and the latest thinking about the constellation of topics that will enable them to bring the two together most successfully. The historical fiction book Roll of Thunder, Hear My cry by Mildred D. Taylor is a fictional book describing hard times in the life of a black family, representing and discussing real life situations that have been and still are being dealt with now days. The book Roll of Thunder, Hear My cry by Mildred D. Taylor is ideal for both middle school children and adults. The author uses details to create a picture in the readers mind, creating characters that change and grow because of the experiences and also suggests important messages about life and human nature. The book will be analyzed through the literary elements of characterization, theme and plot structure to put together an enjoyable and an unforgettable learning experience for readers.

Characterization plays a major role in the book Roll of Thunder, Hear My cry by Mildred D. Taylor. Characters are described in a very detailed way, creating a character in the readers mind as they read along and learn more about these characters. An example is given as the author introduces a new character, Mr. Morrison. The author writes "The man was a human tree in height, towering high above papas six feet two inches. The long trunk of his massive body bulged with muscles, and his skin, of the deepest ebony, was partially scarred upon his face and neck, as if by fire. Deep lifelines were cut into his face and his hair was splotched with gray, but his eyes clear and penetrating." With the detailed words the author used, the reader could really get an idea of what Mr. Morrison looked like and how different he was to Cassie and her brothers. As the readers learn more about the characters, the author creates these characters that grow and change because of the events that they experience. An example of a character change is when Cassie (the main character, whom we are reading the book through her point of view) changes after she undergoes much humiliation and suffering because of the prejudice against blacks that many people had to face. Cassie began to realize that blacks were considered second class citizens, but as she discovers the hatred in her town she also discovers the strong love and unity in her family. As readers begin to read, Cassie has a lot to say about how they are treated. Throughout the book she changes and restricts her words because she now knows that she could get hurt. Cassie also changes because after she goes through humiliation in public and prejudice, she starts to become aware of the things that are happening around her. Cassie finally understands that whites feel that they are better than blacks and right now there is not much they can do about this situation.

The authors task (theme) in the book Roll of Thunder, Hear My cry, is to communicate a common ground with the reader. The book analyzed not one, but different themes throughout the story. One of the main themes is family and friendship. Family relationships in this story are adjusted by Mr. Morrison and Uncle Hammer. Hammer is much appreciated and loved, and as a true friend, he will come to their rescue and give whatever is needed to prevent harm from coming to them. However, Hammers influence, reputation and personality are too unstable for this situation and do not allow him to stay. Mr. Morrison more able to deal with things that are but should not be, he is able to be part of a united family and is motivated to protect his second family after losing his own. The protagonist (Cassie) develops a more adult understanding of what friendship is and what it is not. In the case of Jeremy Simms, he represents a good definition of a good friend. Simms is something of an outsider among his own family and people. Instead of riding the bus, he chooses to walk through the woods joining the Logans. Jeremy is a friend who without setting conditions on any gifts given, gives himself to friends and people around him. Jeremy brings Christmas presents without expecting any in return, and his hand made present to Stacey (a flute). Racism is evident as a theme in the story Roll of Thunder, Hear My cry. Many important events are related throughout the story, but the important concept is that the protagonist of the story (Cassie) learns that lighter skinned people are not superior than her, that they just think they are. Cassies family established their family as equal whether the whites want to grant that superiority/equality or not.

Taylors novel is structured in a linear plot having the story segments paced according to the calendar. The story begins with the beginning of the school year and ends just before the beginning of another school year period one year later. Events occur in chronological sequence with an occasional story telling section as a strategy for explaining certain adult characters background. The story is structured around a series of conflicts and solutions to these, each conflict as a result of the previous solution. The problems and their complicating elements become more insuperable as time passes by. The story progresses with a numerous events that lead to a major conflict which ends without any real solution. T.Js death is inevitable, and no one lives happily ever after. After this event, there is no sense of coming change between the Mississippi Blacks and Whites any time in Cassies anticipated future. At the beginning of the story, the protagonist (Cassie) is only 9 years old. At the end of the story, Cassie is a year older by the calendar, but her understanding and knowledge are a life time older.