Read the excerpt from Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry.

Question

When we reached the crossroads, I waved good-bye to Lillian Jean and waited for the others. Before they reached me, Little Man exclaimed, "Owwww, I'm gonna tell Mama! Carrying that ole dumb Lillian Jean's books!"

"Cassie, whatja do that for?" questioned Christopher-John, his round face pained.

"Ah, shoot," laughed T.J. "Ole Cassie jus' learned she better do what's good for her if she don't want no more of Mr. Simms's back hand."

I clinched my fists behind me, and narrowed my eyes in the Logan gaze, but managed to hold my tongue.

What does the excerpt show about the historical time period of the story?

It shows that racial injustice occurred between adults in the South but not between the children.
It shows that racial injustice was losing its power to influence people’s thoughts and actions.
It shows that racial injustice was not something that African Americans were used to experiencing.
It shows that racial injustice made it dangerous for African Americans to stick up for themselves.

Answer 1

The excerpt from "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry" highlights the theme of racial injustice and its impact on the characters, particularly the children. The dialogue reflects a hierarchy influenced by race, where the character Cassie feels the need to consider the repercussions of her actions due to the societal expectations and dangers imposed by an unjust system.

The best interpretation of what the excerpt shows about the historical time period of the story is: It shows that racial injustice made it dangerous for African Americans to stick up for themselves. This is evident in Cassie's reaction to the threat of Mr. Simms's violence, indicating a reality where standing up against racial injustice could lead to physical punishment or other severe consequences.