Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry Friendship Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #7

"Maybe one day whites and blacks can be real friends, but right now the country ain't built that way. Now you could be right 'bout Jeremy making a much finer friend than T.J. ever will be. The trouble is, down here in Mississippi, it costs too much to find out . . . So I think you'd better not try." (7.109)

Is it worth the risk for Stacey to try out a friendship with Jeremy? What do you think would happen in a sequel to this story that featured a growing friendship between Stacey and T.J. as the main plotline? Do you think the same type of violence might erupt as happens here?

Quote #8

As I stood in the doorway, he lingered over [the flute], then, carefully rewrapping it, placed it in his box of treasured things. I never saw the flute again. (7.111)

Stacey clearly values the flute that Jeremy has made for him. He "linger[s]" over it, and then places it in his treasure box. What is the significance of Cassie never seeing the flute again? Do you think that has positive or negative connotations?

Quote #9

"They just don't do him right."

"How?" asked Stacey.

"Thought you didn't like him no more."

"Well. . . I don't," replied Stacey defensively. 'But I heard he was running 'round with R.W. and Melvin. I wondered why." (9.17-20)

Stacey clearly still feels something in the friendship realm towards T.J., and doesn't like how he's being treated. The suspicious pause here clinches it.