Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry: Analysis of Major Characters
"Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry" is a poignant novel set in the racially charged Southern United States during the Great Depression, focusing on the Logan family, an African American family striving to maintain their land and dignity amidst systemic injustice. Central to the story is nine-year-old Cassie Logan, the narrator, whose journey from childhood innocence to a deeper understanding of racial inequality shapes the narrative. Cassie’s rebellious spirit leads her to confront the prejudices around her, particularly in her interactions with her peers, including Lillian Jean Simms.
Stacey Logan, Cassie's twelve-year-old brother, embodies the struggle between boyhood and responsibility as he seeks to fill the role of the man of the house in his father's absence. The Logan siblings, including seven-year-old Christopher-John and six-year-old Little Man, also illustrate the varied responses to their challenging environment. Their parents, David (Papa) and Mary (Mama) Logan, provide a foundation of love and resilience, with Papa’s quick thinking proving crucial to their safety. The family dynamic is further enriched by figures like Big Ma, who instills the values of family and land, and Uncle Hammer, whose fiery disposition highlights the broader struggles within the African American community. Mr. Morrison, a protective figure from Louisiana, adds to the themes of strength and solidarity within the family. Overall, the characters in "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry" reflect the complexities of family, community, and the fight for justice in a divided society.
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Mildred D. Taylor
First published: 1976
Genre: Novel
Locale: Rural Mississippi
Plot: Historical realism
Time: October, 1933-August, 1934
Cassie Logan, age nine, the narrator and central character, a bright rebel who wants fairness and justice in this world. As an African American child in the South, she learns instead about injustice and discrimination. By getting sweet, subtle revenge for her humiliation at the hands of Lillian Jean Simms, Cassie proves her successful passage through childhood innocence by the end of the novel.
Stacey Logan, her twelve-year-old brother, the Logan family's eldest child, who is itching to become the man of the family while his father is away. Stacey's growth to maturity matches Cassie's when he proves himself a loyal friend and as resourceful as his father.
Christopher-John Logan, another brother, age seven.
Clayton Chester Logan, called “Little Man,” the youngest Logan, age six.
David Logan (Papa), who works on the railroad in Louisiana for part of each year in order to make money to pay the mortgage on the Logan land. David Logan is a man of compassion and reason; his quick thinking at the end of the novel saves his family.
Mary Logan (Mama), the seventh-grade teacher at the school the four children attend. She is sensitive and loving and has a strong physical and spiritual bond with her husband. Their love spills over onto others beyond the circle of their family.
Big Mar, Cassie's grandmother (Papa's mother), a woman in her sixties who helps to teach Cassie the importance of the family and their land.
Uncle Hammer, Papa's hot-tempered older brother, who lives in Detroit and who must sell his car to help the family.
Mr. Morrison, the huge “human tree” Papa brings back from Louisiana to help protect the family against night riders.