Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry Group

Question:

illinifan96
illinifan96
Student
High School - 9th Grade

Why was Sam Tatum tarred and feathered in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry? Although this was a terrible act, why are the children relieved?

 

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Posted by illinifan96 on Friday October 23, 2009 at 2:16 PM and tagged with character, children, relieved, roll of thunder hear my cry, sam tatum, tarred and feathered.

Answers:


  1. rugator Teacher
    Middle School

    eNotes Editor

    Sam Tatum was an African-American character in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry who was tarred and feathered for questioning a bill presented to him at the Wallace store. He believed (correctly) that he was being charged for items he never was obligated to pay. The store owners thought they could "pull one over on him"? based upon the color of his skin. When Sam called them out, he was punished for being too "outspoken," and perhaps to send a message to other black members in the community.

    The Logan children were "relieved" to hear the news about Tatum becuase they had originally thought that the night riders (those responsible for Tatum's punishment) were out to avenge what the Logans had done to the school bus.

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    Posted by rugator on Tuesday November 17, 2009 at 3:32 PM