Character Understanding and Racial Protection in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry: An Analysis of Big Ma and Uncle Hammer's Roles
Overview
This coursework assignment analyzes Cassie's misunderstanding of Big Ma's protective actions in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, examining how racial discrimination shapes family responses. The paper explores the contrasting characters of Big Ma and Uncle Hammer, their protective roles, and Mr. Morrison's intervention in defending the Logan children from racial persecution.
What this coursework covers
- Cassie's failure to understand Big Ma's protective motivation in forcing an apology to Lillian Jean
- Character analysis of Uncle Hammer as extravagant and handsome, with examination of his protective reactions to discriminatory incidents
- Mr. Morrison's role as protector and peacekeeper, preventing violence while physically defending the children
- Mama's explanation of Big Ma and Mr. Simms incident with direct quotes and analysis of the coat incident as metaphor for desperate measures
Preview
Assignment
Name
Professor
Date
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
- Cassie is mad at Big Ma. What doesn't she understand about Big Ma's actions?
Big Ma made her apologize to the child named Lillian Jean. What Cassie failed to understand about Big Ma on making her apologize is that she was protecting her. Lillian was a child from a white family while Cassie was black. The two races have not taken each other equally since time immemorial. Besides, Cassie was still a young girl who was still trying to figure out how the universe works, something that Lillian did not see (Taylor 77).
- Who is Uncle Hammer? Describe him using 2 adjectives.
Uncle Hammer is Cassie's Uncle and a brother to Papa. He is extravagant yet handsome. He lives in Chicago, a big city and drives expensive cars.
- The author wants us to relive the day Cassie had in Strawberry when she tells it to her Uncle. What do you think he is thinking about her story?
The author wants us to relive the day in Strawberry because of how Hammer reacts when he is given the story. Before that, Big Ma does not want Cassie to tell the story to her Uncle. This makes uncle Hammer more curious to know what happened to his niece. What Cassie went through was discriminatory (Taylor 67).
- What is Uncle Hammer's reaction? What does he say about the incidents?
Uncle Hammer is very protective of his people.