When you read a classic novel—or any well-written story—you play the role of a detective. You look for clues that will reveal the author’s purpose for writing or the message that he or she hopes the story will send. These clues often take the form of key character’s experiences and how that character reacts to those events. Another type of clue—symbolism—can be easy to miss if you’re not aware of the power of symbols in conveying meaning. In Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, Mildred Taylor describes several objects and events in ways that lead them to represent some of the novel’s major themes.

Take a few minutes to consider some of the symbols in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry and the ideas they represent. For each idea below, see if you can think of several objects or events that act as symbols of that idea. Then click the word to compare your ideas with ours.

injustice

The used school books, the behavior of the school bus driver and the students on the bus, and the way the Wallace store treats its customers all symbolize injustice.

equality

The fact that the Logan family owns their own land and Uncle Hammer’s new Packard both symbolize a level of equality that was not experienced by many African American families in the area.

maturity

Stacey’s new wool jacket and the way Uncle Hammer reacts when he gives it away represent Stacey’s movement toward adulthood.

dignity

T.J. believes that he needs a pearl-handled pistol to have a sense of dignity and self-respect. Stacey’s plan to disable the school bus also symbolizes an attempt to regain dignity in an unjust world.