How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
"When Henrietta went to the sheriff and told him what she'd seen, he called her a liar and sent her on home. Now I hear tells that some of them men that done it been 'round braggin' 'bout it. Sayin' they'd do it again if some other uppity n***** get out of line." (2.58)
It's a sad fact that in the world of Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, law enforcement is unfairly biased toward whites. The Wallaces are not punished for what they do (murder!), even though they go around town bragging about the burnings. The African Americans clearly do not have equal protection under the law.
Quote #2
"You know I'm glad no one was hurt—could've been too with such a deep ditch—but I'm also glad it happened." (3.110)
It's Poetic Justice Time: for their cruelty, the white school children are getting a taste of what it's like to have to walk to school (and keep in mind that some of the black children, like Moe Turner, have a three-and-a-half-hour trek to school). Mama's comment shows justice tempered by mercy, though. The white schoolchildren are getting what they deserve, but haven't been significantly harmed in the process. We'd feel better if they got splashed by mud a few times, just to really get the whole effect, though.
Quote #3
"Ah, shoot! White ain't nothing!' (6.54)
We feel you, Cassie. It seems incredibly unfair to her that people be judged by their skin color, and not less superficial traits (like actions).
Quote #4
"The older children are drinking regularly there now, even though they don't have any money to pay, and the Wallaces are simply adding the liquor charges to the family bill . . . just more money for them as they ruin our young people. As I see it the least we can do is stop shopping there. It may not be real justice, but it'll hurt them and we'll have done something." (7.58)
How is the Wallace story boycott reminiscent of the types of protest strategies used in the Civil Rights movement? Can you think of any more recent examples? A clue: In this case, not of the fried-in-Kentucky variety.
Quote #5
"But even more important than all that, you're pointing a finger right at the Wallaces with this boycott business. You're not only accusing them of murder, which in this case would be only a minor consideration because the man killed was black, but you're saying they should be punished for it. That they should be punished just as if they had killed a white man, and punishment for a white man for a wrong done to a black man would denote equality. Now that is what Harlan Granger absolutely will not permit." (7.153)
So, the boycott means more than just not shopping at the Wallace store and hurting them in the wallet. It goes much deeper than that. The Logans and other sharecroppers want justice for the blacks that were burned and killed. By boycotting the store, they are basically taking a stand against the entire system of oppression that the corrupt whites in the novel are propping up. To cut right to the chase, they're basically asserting their equality to the whites—and that's a dangerous move.
Quote #6
"The sad thing is, you know in the end you can't beat him or the Wallaces."
Papa looked down at the boys and me awaiting his reply, then nodded slightly, as if he agreed. "Still," he said, "I want these children to know we tried, and what we can't do now, maybe one day they will." (7.15-57)
This is a poignant moment in the text. Mr. Jamison (the first speaker here) points out that there is no way the Logans will win with their boycott against the Wallaces. The system of racist oppression and injustice is just too entrenched. Papa doesn't let that stop him, though. He has to set an example of striving against all odds for his children. Someday, he hopes, they can win. And, of course, history shows Papa to be correct.
Quote #7
And she apologized. For herself and for her father. For her brothers and her mother. For Strawberry and Mississippi, and by the time I finished jerking at her head, I think she would have apologized for the world being round had I demanded it. (8.84)
What kind of justice is Cassie dispensing here? Do you think she is right? Are her actions just? Are Lillian Jean's apologies sincere?
Quote #8
It seemed to me that since the Wallaces had attacked Papa and Mr. Morrison, the simplest thing to do would be to tell the sheriff and have them put in jail, but Mama said things didn't work that way. She explained that as long as the Wallaces, embarrassed by their injuries at the hands of Mr. Morrison, did not make an official complaint about the incident, then we must remain silent also. If we did not, Mr. Morrison could be charged with attacking white men, which could possibly end in his being sentenced to the chain, or worse. (10.88)
Yes: it really should be that simple, shouldn't it, Cassie? But nothing's simple in the pre-Civil Rights South—unless you're white.
Quote #9
But once out of the car, [Mr. Jamison] stood very still, surveying the scene; then he stared at each of the men as if preparing to charge them in the courtroom and said softly, "Y'all decide to hold court out here tonight?" (11.77)
You go, Mr. Jamison! Look at how he puts a stop to the little kangaroo court that the Wallaces and Simmses are about to call to session to punish T.J. for his "crimes." Mr. Jamison, one of the few white supporters of the black community in the novel, firmly but quietly reminds the rabble that they are not, despite what they might think, a rightful court of law.
Quote #10
"Mr. Granger sent word by me that he ain't gonna stand for no hanging on his place. He say y'all touch one hair on that boy's head while he on this land, he's gonna hold every man here responsible." (11.86)
So, why the italics here? Taylor doesn't use them very much, so they must mean something, right? Well, try saying this sheriff's sentence aloud, and place heavy emphasis on those two italicized words. Good. Now, try doing that but raise your eyebrows ominously on those italicized words. See how that adds emphasis? Good. Finally, do both of those things, and throw in a nod of your head toward your neighbor's yard. See what the sheriff's saying now? Don't do it here, but Mr. Granger doesn't have any particular qualms about you doing it over there.