In the passage, T.J. is realizing that a real friend would never hurt you. His expectation of sympathy from R.W. and Melvin contrasts with the grim faces of his friends, highlighting the theme of betrayal and the pain that comes from those he considered friends. This realization points to the complexity of friendships and the hurt that can come from those who are supposed to support you.
"R.W. and Melvin," whispered T.J., "they hurt me bad." He looked up, expecting sympathy. But our faces, grim behind the light Stacey held, showed no compassion. T.J.'s eyes dimmed, then, undoing the buttons to his shirt, he pulled the shirt open and stared down at his stomach.
—Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry,
Mildred D. Taylor
What theme is T. J. realizing in this passage?
A real friend would never hurt you.
New friends are always there for you.
Old friends will always help you.
New friends always cause trouble.
1 answer