In "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry," T.J.'s relationship with Cassie exemplifies the theme of friendship through the lens of trust and honesty. As T.J. engages in deceitful behavior, particularly when it comes to his involvement with the Simms brothers and his manipulation of Cassie and her family, it becomes evident that their friendship is strained by a lack of trust.
While T.J. may initially seem to be a friend to Cassie, his actions ultimately reveal that he is more focused on his own interests than on being honest and supportive. This creates a dynamic where Cassie feels conflicted; she cares about T.J. but also recognizes the negative impact of his choices on those around him.
In this context, T.J.’s relationship with Cassie illustrates that trust is indeed a fundamental component of true friendship. Without it, the relationship becomes superficial and fraught with tension. This situation highlights how friendships can falter under the weight of dishonesty, making it challenging for a strong bond to develop if trust is compromised. Thus, T.J.'s relationship with Cassie serves as an important exploration of how trust is integral in forming and sustaining meaningful friendships.