illustration of a fire spreading through a field

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

by Mildred D. Taylor

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Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry Summary

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry is a novel by Mildred Taylor in which nine-year-old Cassie Logan narrates her experience of growing up as a Black child in rural Mississippi.

  • Cassie Logan's family owns land thanks to the efforts of Cassie's grandfather, a former slave. However, their White neighbors resent the existence of Black landowners.
  • Racial tensions arise in the community and malicious "night riders" begin burning the fields of Black landowners.
  • When the night riders come for the Logans, they set fire to their own crops so that their neighbors will be forced to help extinguish the fire.

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Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry paints a vivid portrait of African American life in rural Mississippi during the Great Depression. Through the eyes of a young girl, readers experience the trials and triumphs of the Logan family as they navigate racial prejudice and the fight to keep their land. This coming-of-age story delves into themes of justice, family, and resilience in the face of societal challenges.

The Logan Family's Struggle

The Logans reside on four hundred acres in Spokane County, Mississippi, a land purchased by Cassie Logan's grandfather, a former slave. This parcel is the only Black-owned land in an area dominated by Harlan Granger, who yearns to reclaim it. The Logans' resolve to keep their land represents a broader struggle against systemic oppression in the early 1930s, a period marked by severe racial injustice.

Cassie's Perspective

Narrated by Cassie Logan, the story captures her journey as a perceptive and inquisitive young girl. She adores her father, who works in Louisiana but returns home with Mr. Morrison, a man fired for defending himself against Whites. Mr. Morrison's presence is a protective measure amidst rising threats from vigilante groups, exemplified by the recent attack on their distant neighbors by the night riders.

Unfolding Conflicts

The narrative weaves together various threads of tension. Papa Logan warns his children to avoid the Wallaces' store due to their involvement in racial terror, leading to a community boycott. This act of defiance costs Mama her teaching job under the pretext of promoting Black history and the boycott's promotion. An ensuing altercation in Vicksburg results in Papa being shot and injured, further straining the family's financial stability.

Interconnected Battles

The fight for the Logan land and against the Wallaces' racism are intrinsically linked. As the plot escalates, these conflicts converge, particularly since the Wallace store operates on Granger's land. This dual struggle intensifies the narrative, highlighting the intertwined nature of economic and racial battles.

Confrontation and Resolution

The story builds to a dramatic climax when T.J. Avery, a friend of the Logan children, faces a lynching attempt after a misguided involvement in a robbery. Stacey acts decisively, sending others to alert the family. David Logan's strategic decision to ignite his cotton field, bordering Granger's property, forces a temporary alliance between Blacks and Whites to extinguish the flames. Through this collective effort, the immediate danger is averted.

Aftermath and Realization

Despite averting disaster, the Logans' challenges persist. They remain impoverished, and the specter of racism looms large. Cassie and Stacey emerge from the ordeal with deeper insights into the cruelty surrounding them and a keener awareness of navigating such a world. Cassie's final tears for T.J. and the land underscore her loss of innocence, though her growth suggests resilience against future adversities.

Lessons and Legacy

Throughout the novel, Cassie gains profound understanding of her family's sacrifices, their fight for equality, and the pride in their heritage. Her family, with its unwavering warmth and solidarity, profoundly influences her. Big Ma imparts the significance of the Logan land, demonstrating through her tireless dedication what it takes to maintain it. Cassie's mother, sharing her daughter's rebellious spirit, becomes a casualty of her own unwavering principles, reinforcing the novel's themes of integrity and courage.

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