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Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

by Mildred D. Taylor

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Student Question

Why don't Mr. Avery and Mr. Lanier join in Papa's plan in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry?

Quick answer:

Mr. Avery and Mr. Lanier do not join Papa's boycott plan against the Wallace Store due to retaliation threats from Mr. Granger and the Wallaces. Mr. Granger threatens to increase their cotton crop debt and evict them if they continue shopping in Vicksburg, while the Wallaces threaten legal action over unpaid debts. These pressures make it too risky for them to participate, despite their initial willingness.

Expert Answers

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They don't join in the plan because Mr. Granger and others retaliate against them.

Papa decides that he's going to boycott the Wallace Store, which is seated on Granger Land. This turns two of the most powerful families in the area against Papa and anyone else involved in the boycott. For example, Mama is fired from her job for participating in it.

The Laniers and the Averys, along with other families, agree to think about participating in the boycott. Papa suggests that everyone give him a list of things they need; he'll take it down to Vicksburg with Mr. Morrison and buy the things from a person who isn't involved in terrorizing black families.

Before their second trip, Mr. Avery and Mr. Lanier come to visit. They explain that they won't be able to participate in the boycott anymore. Mr. Granger has told them that he's going to raise the amount of the cotton crop they owe from 50 percent to 60 percent. Then Mr. Avery says:

But—but that ain't all Mr. Granger said. Said, too, we don't give up this shoppin' in Vicksburg, we can jus' get off his land. Says he tired of us stirrin' up trouble 'gainst decent white folks. Then them Wallaces, they come by my place, Brother Lanier's, and everybody's on this thing that owes them money. Said we can't pay our debts, they gonna have the sheriff out to get us ... put us on the chain gang to work it off.

It's too much pressure for the men and they have to back out of the boycott. Both men want to participate but recognize that if they do so, they'll have to endure things that will be extremely bad for them and for their families. So ultimately, they back out.

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