Student Question
What motivates the characters in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry?
Quick answer:
In Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, the characters are driven by diverse motivations. Cassie Logan seeks justice for wrongs against her, while "Little Man" values books and cleanliness. Stacy Logan is eager to mature, and David Logan prioritizes family and land protection. Mary Logan is motivated by teaching and family welfare, and "Big Ma" focuses on family love and land preservation. Hammer Logan and L.T. Morrison aim to resist oppression. T.J. Avery desires attention and luxury, while Harlan Granger wants the Logan land. Lillian Jean Simms seeks racial superiority.
The characters of Mildred Taylor's novel, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, are motivated by different factors.
CASSIE LOGAN. Hot-tempered Cassie is often motivated by an urge to avenge wrongs done to her.
"LITTLE MAN" LOGAN. Books and cleanliness motivates the youngest member of the Logan family.
STACY LOGAN. A rush into manhood is a motivating factor to the eldest of the Logan children.
DAVID LOGAN. Providing for his family and protecting the ownership of the 400 acres is the father's primary interests.
MARY LOGAN. Living her dream as a teacher motivates Mary, who is also concerned for the welfare of her children and, of course, the Logan land.
"BIG MA" LOGAN. Her love of family and protection of the land before she dies are her main concerns.
"HAMMER" LOGAN. Living as an independent man in the North, Hammer is free of the white man's oppression, and he seeks to right any wrongs done to his extended family.
L. T. MORRISON. Living free of the white man's oppression and protecting the Logan family (and feeling part of their family) are this giant's primary goals.
T. J. AVERY. Attention and fancy things motivates T. J. most of all.
HARLAN GRANGER. The return of the 400 acres of Logan land is foremost in Granger's mind.
LILLIAN JEAN SIMMS. Lording her whiteness over blacks seems to be her focus in life.
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