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Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

by Mildred D. Taylor

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Student Question

In "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry", why doesn't Cassie like T.J.?

Quick answer:

Cassie dislikes T.J. because he is petty, vindictive, and cruel, harboring animosity towards her and her family. His behavior includes spreading lies about Cassie's mother after failing a test in her class, falsely accusing her of being a poor teacher and initiating a boycott. T.J.'s pride and involvement in illegal activities ultimately lead to his downfall.

Expert Answers

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As the above post illustrates, Cassie does not like TJ because he does not like her, and seems to have something against her whole family.  He is petty and vindictive, and just plain cruel.  TJ's pride turns out to be his doom, when he gets caught up in illegal activity.

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Aside from his bragging, Cassie doesn't care much for T. J. since he made up lies about her mother after failing a test in her class. T. J. spread untruths about Mary throughout the town, blaming her for being a bad teacher and for starting the boycott of the Wallace's store.

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