As you begin reading the second half of Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, you may notice that the meanings of some symbols change as the story develops. For instance, a gift that initially symbolized friendship could begin to symbolize disappointment, deceit, or betrayal if the character who gave the gift does something dishonest or disrespectful. Consider how two of the symbols in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry have grown or changed meaning.
When Stacey first receives the new wool jacket, it seems to symbolize the pride that Uncle Hammer has for his nephew and the promise he sees in Stacey as he approaches manhood. However, after Stacey gives his new coat to T.J., the jacket represents something else entirely.
Question
How do the novel’s characters think about the jacket by the end of Chapter 7, and what might it symbolize for readers?
For the Logan family, the fact that they own their land—rather than renting it—represents a level of equality that their sharecropping neighbors are denied. Because generations of Logans have worked hard to keep the land, even as wealthy landowners in the area tried to take it away from them, the land has become a symbol of pride and honor. Mr. Granger and other powerful men in the area see the Logans’ land quite differently, however.
Question
What does the Logan's land symbolize to Mr. Granger and other people in the area? How does their point of view affect a reader's understanding of the story themes?
