Roll Of Thunder Hear My Cry Symbolism Chart
Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry is a novel written by Mildred D. Taylor. The novel is set in the 1930s during the Great Depression in the southern United States. The story is about a black family, the Logans, who live in Mississippi and their struggles against racism and injustice. The novel uses various symbols to represent different themes and ideas. In this article, we will discuss the Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry Symbolism Chart.
The Land
The land is a symbol of independence, pride, and ownership for the Logan family. The family owns their own land, which is rare in the South during this time. The land is also a source of livelihood for the family, and they take great pride in it. The Logan children are taught to respect and take care of the land, and it is a symbol of their connection to their heritage and culture.
The School Books
The school books are a symbol of education and knowledge. In the novel, black children attend a segregated and poorly equipped school. The books that they receive from the white school are old and outdated, and the pages are torn and missing. The school books symbolize the inequality and lack of educational opportunities for black children during this time.
The Wallace Store
The Wallace store is a symbol of racism and discrimination. The store is owned by a white family who mistreats and humiliates black customers. The store is also a symbol of economic power and control. The white store owners have the power to deny credit to black customers, which forces them to buy on credit at inflated prices. The Wallace store symbolizes the economic oppression of black people during this time.
The Night Men
The night men are a symbol of violence and intimidation. The night men are a group of white men who terrorize and intimidate black people. They wear white robes and hoods, and their actions are reminiscent of the Ku Klux Klan. The night men symbolize the fear and danger that black people faced during this time.
The Bus
The bus is a symbol of inequality and segregation. In the novel, black people are not allowed to ride the bus with white people. The black passengers are forced to sit in the back of the bus, and they are often subjected to verbal and physical abuse. The bus symbolizes the segregation and discrimination that black people faced in all aspects of life during this time.
The Burned House
The burned house is a symbol of hate and violence. The house is burned down by white men who are angry at the Logan family for standing up to them. The burned house symbolizes the hatred and violence that black people faced during this time, and the destruction of their homes and communities.
The Thunder
The thunder is a symbol of power and strength. The thunder represents the strength and resilience of the Logan family, who face many challenges and obstacles. The thunder also represents the power of nature, which can be both beautiful and destructive.
The Cassie's Hair
Cassie's hair is a symbol of pride and identity. Cassie is proud of her hair, which is thick and curly. Her hair is a symbol of her African heritage and culture. Cassie's hair also represents her defiance against the norms of society, which dictate that black women should straighten their hair to conform to white beauty standards.
The Logans' Car
The Logans' car is a symbol of freedom and independence. The Logan family owns their own car, which allows them to travel and move around without relying on the white-owned bus system. The car is also a symbol of their economic independence and self-sufficiency.
The Rain
The rain is a symbol of renewal and rebirth. The rain comes at the end of the novel, and it symbolizes the hope and possibility of a better future. The rain also represents the cleansing and healing power of nature.
The Strawberry
The strawberry is a symbol of innocence and childhood. Cassie and her brothers pick strawberries on Mr. Barnett's farm, and they are treated unfairly and disrespectfully. The strawberry symbolizes the loss of innocence and the harsh realities of racism and discrimination.
The Gun
The gun is a symbol of protection and defense. The Logan family owns a gun, which they use to protect themselves from white violence and intimidation. The gun also represents the power of self-defense and the right to protect oneself and one's family.
The Flag
The flag is a symbol of patriotism and loyalty. In the novel, the white children at school pledge allegiance to the flag every morning. However, the black children are not allowed to participate in the pledge. The flag symbolizes the inequality and discrimination that black people faced in all aspects of life.
The Church
The church is a symbol of community and faith. The Logan family attends church on Sundays, and it is a source of comfort and support for them. The church also represents the strength and resilience of the black community, which faced many challenges and obstacles during this time.
The Cross
The cross is a symbol of faith and sacrifice. The Logan family sacrifices their own safety and well-being to stand up for their rights and fight against injustice. The cross also represents the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who gave his life for the salvation of humanity.
The Wagon
The wagon is a symbol of tradition and heritage. The Logan family uses a horse-drawn wagon to transport their crops to market. The wagon is a symbol of their connection to the land and their agricultural heritage. The wagon also represents their self-sufficiency and independence.
The Butterfly
The butterfly is a symbol of transformation and change. Cassie sees a butterfly at the end of the novel, and it symbolizes the possibility of a better future. The butterfly also represents the beauty and fragility of life.
The White Dress
The white dress is a symbol of innocence and purity. Cassie wears a white dress to the church revival, and it symbolizes her youth and innocence. The white dress also represents the hope and possibility of a better future.
The Axe
The axe is a symbol of power and strength. The Logan family uses an axe to cut down trees and clear their land. The axe is a symbol of their hard work and determination. The axe also represents their ability to shape their own future and destiny.
The Gold Hair Combs
The gold hair combs are a symbol of beauty and status. Cassie and her friend Little Willie buy gold hair combs from the Wallace store, which they believe will make them look beautiful and sophisticated. The gold hair combs symbolize the desire for beauty and status, which is often tied to racial and economic inequality.
The Racial Slurs
The racial slurs are a symbol of hate and discrimination. Throughout the novel, black people are called racial slurs by white people. The racial slurs symbolize the dehumanization and disrespect that black people faced during this time.
The Cotton
The cotton is a symbol of hard work and economic opportunity. The Logan family grows cotton on their land, which is a source of income for them. The cotton also represents the hard work and determination of black people, who often worked long hours in the fields for little pay.
The Water
The water is a symbol of life and purity. Cassie and her brothers play in a creek, which is a source of joy and freedom for them. The water also represents the cleansing and healing power of nature.
The Heat
The heat is a symbol of oppression and hardship. The novel takes place during the summer, and the heat is often oppressive and unbearable. The heat symbolizes the difficult and challenging conditions that black people faced during this time.
The Blackberries
The blackberries are a symbol of abundance and prosperity. Cassie and her brothers pick blackberries on their land, which is a source of food and income for them. The blackberries also represent the natural abundance and beauty of the land.
