T. J.’s actions indicate that he is showing off his new friends’ generosity. He seems eager to make a point about the gifts and attention he has received from R.W. and Melvin, contrasting it with how he perceives the Simmses' treatment of him and his friends. This can be seen in the way he proudly displays his new suit coat and emphasizes their friendship, seemingly to elevate his status compared to the old friends he feels have slighted him.
"Well, this is a fine how-do-you-do. I come all the way over here to introduce my friends, R.W. and Melvin, to y'all and y'all actin' like y'all ain't got no manners at all. Yeah, ole R.W. and Melvin," he said, rolling the Simmses' names slowly off his tongue to bring to our attention that he had not bothered to place a "Mister" before either, "they been mighty fine friends to me. Better than any of y'all. Look, see here what they give me." Proudly he tugged at the suit coat. "Pretty nice stuff, eh? Everything I want they give me 'cause they really likes me. I'm they best friend."
—Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry,
Mildred D. Taylor
What do T. J.’s actions indicate?
He dislikes that his old friends never bought him things.
He is showing off his new friends’ generosity.
He feels sorry that his old friends do not have nice things.
He is angry about the way his old friends treated him.
1 answer
0 answers