The African American Experience in 'Roll of Thunder'

Questions and Answers

Where are Cassie, Stacey, and T.J. going with Big Ma?

Cassie, Stacey, and T.J. are going to the market in Strawberry with Big Ma to sell butter, eggs, and milk.

Why is Cassie unhappy about where Big Ma parked the wagon?

Cassie is unhappy because Big Ma parked where nobody can see them, making it hard to sell their goods.

Why did Big Ma park where she did?

Big Ma parked there because the front was reserved by the Whites.

What does T.J. show Stacey at the mercantile?

T.J. shows Stacey the handguns that were placed on a bolt of red velvet. Signup and view all the answers

What does T.J. want the gun for?

T.J. wants the gun for protection. Signup and view all the answers

Compare how Mr. Barnett treats the Logan children and the white people who come into the store.

The Logan children are treated rudely while white people are treated with respect and dignity. Signup and view all the answers

What happens between Lillian Jean and Cassie?

Lillian and Cassie bump into each other, get into an argument, and Lillian tells Cassie to apologize. Signup and view all the answers

How does Lillian Jean react to Cassie's apology?

Lillian believes the apology is not good enough and tries to push Cassie off the sidewalk. Signup and view all the answers

Interpret Mr. Simms's behavior toward Cassie. Why does he act that way?

Mr. Simms's behavior is rude and disrespectful; he believes Cassie needs to be more respectful towards white people. Signup and view all the answers

Justify Cassie's statement: 'No day in all my life had ever been as cruel as this one.'

Cassie means that she has never been treated so badly or felt so discriminated against. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Market Trip Overview

Cassie, Stacey, and T.J. accompany Big Ma to the market in Strawberry.
They are selling butter, eggs, and milk as part of their family business.

Parking Situation

Cassie is frustrated with Big Ma's choice to park the wagon away from the main area, fearing reduced visibility will impact sales.
Big Ma parks in a less visible spot because the front area is reserved for white patrons.

T.J.'s Interest in Firearms

At the mercantile, T.J. shows Stacey handguns displayed on red velvet.
His desire for a gun stems from concerns about safety amidst rising violence and attacks.

Discrimination at the Mercantile

Mr. Barnett, the store owner, treats the Logan children rudely compared to the courtesy shown to white customers.
This disparity highlights racial bias and the social hierarchy affecting the community.

Conflict with Lillian Jean

An altercation occurs between Lillian Jean and Cassie when they bump into each other.
Lillian demands an apology from Cassie; after complying, Lillian claims it is insufficient and tries to physically assert dominance by pushing Cassie off the sidewalk.

Mr. Simms's Attitude

Mr. Simms is disrespectful towards Cassie, expecting her to show deference to white individuals.
His behavior illustrates the entrenched racism and societal expectations of the time.

Cassie's Experience of Cruelty

Cassie expresses profound hurt by stating, "No day in all my life had ever been as cruel as this one."
This reflects her deep sense of discrimination and the emotional toll of her experiences at the market.

Description

Explore the key events and themes from the market trip in 'Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry'. This quiz delves into issues of discrimination, family business, and the children's experiences at the mercantile. Test your understanding of the characters and their challenges in this significant chapter.