The excitement Little Man feels toward his first day of school
quickly disappears upon receiving his textbook. Realizing that the
textbooks are ten years old, hand-me downs from the white school
and specifies his race as nigra infuriates him. As Cassie attempts
to explain Little Mans actions to Miss Crocker, it is made clear
that the children are expected to remain in their place and not
contradict higher authority. Unfortunately, Little Mans experience
at school introduces him to racism and the reality that not all
blacks will stand up to injustices they face. Cassie explains to
Miss Crocker See, Miz Crocker, see what it says. They give us these
ole books when they didnt want them no more. He cant read all them
big words, but he can read them columns. See whats in the last row,
Please look, Miz Crocker. S- see what they called us. (p.26)
Slide 3
An obstacle faced by many of the black students en route to
school was Mr. Grimes and his school bus. Cassie and the other
children were often run off the dirt road by Mr. Grimes, while he
and the white students laughed at them running for safety. Stacey
and the children decided to take matters into their own hands and
develop a plan to wash out the dirt road. This was their attempt to
retaliate against the dangerous behavior they encountered on their
way to school. Although their goal was to obstruct the dirt road,
an unexpected large rainfall, magnified the size of the hole in the
road. Had injuries occurred as a result of their actions, and foul
play suspected, this could have brought harm to the black community
and/or worse the Logan family itself.
Slide 4
The visit by the night men put everyone at the Logan home on
edge. Since their appearance occurred shortly after the Logan
children washed out the road, they thought the night men were
coming for them. Overcome by guilt the children considered
confessing their actions. The sight of the night men terrified the
children into not saying a word about the roadblock. However, it
intensified their fear and the possibility of harm coming to their
family. Cassie thought to herself But soon, against my will, the
vision of ghostly headlights soaked into my mind and an
uncontrollable trembling racked my body. (p. 68) The adults on the
other hand, saw the visit by the night men as their attempt to
impose their power over the black community. Mr. Avery stated But
yall knows how they is. Anytime they thinks we steppin outa our
place, they feels like they gotta stop us. You know what some of em
done to the Berrys. It dont take but a little of nothin to set them
devilish night men off. (p. 62)
Slide 5
Cassies trip to Strawberry proved to be a life altering
experience. Although she had encountered some racism in other
aspects of her life, none were as blatant as what she suffered in
Strawberry. Her youthful ignorance to the ingrained prejudice held
by many whites led to many problems in this town. Her experience in
the General Store and with Lillian Jean could have developed into a
very dangerous situation not only for Cassie but also her
companions. This scene provides a coming of age experience which
enlightens Cassie to the complex social relationships between
blacks and whites during this time period. Cassie is now aware of
the views shared by many whites against blacks, and how she is
expected to behave in public. Once home, Mary explained to her
Baby, you had to grow up a little today. I wishwell, no matter what
I wish. It happened and you have to accept the fact that in the
world outside this house, things are not always as we would have
them to be. (p. 126) Baby, we have no choice of what color were
born or who our parents are or whether were rich or poor. What we
do have is some choice over what we make of our lives once were
here. And I pray to God youll make the best of yours. (p.129)
Slide 6
After her incident with Lillian Jean in Strawberry, Cassie
devised a very well thought-out plan for revenge. Pretending to be
Lillian Jeans servant, Cassie gained access to all of Lillian Jeans
secrets. Cassie befriended her and allowed Lillian Jean to trust
her. Once Cassie had enough ammunition to blackmail Lillian Jean,
she decided to do what she wanted to do since their altercation in
Strawberry. Knowing that Lillian would not tell anyone about the
fight in order to prevent her deepest secrets from being exposed to
everyone, Cassie was content. I think it was wise for Cassie to
teach Lillian her lesson this way because she was able to stand up
for herself without creating a harmful situation for herself and
her family.
Slide 7
David explains to Cassie You see that fig tree over yonder,
Cassie? Them other trees all around that oak and walnut, theyre a
lot bigger and they take up more room and give so much shade they
almost overshadow that little ole fig. But that fig trees got roots
that run deep, and it belongs in that yard as much as that oak and
walnut. It keeps on blooming, bearing good fruit year after year,
knowing all the time itll never get as big as them other trees.
Just keeps on growing and doing what it gotta do. It dont give up.
It give up, itll die. Theres a lesson to be learned from that
little tree, Cassie girl, cause were like it. We keep doing what we
gotta, and we dont give up. We cant. (p. 205-206) The comparison
between the fig tree and the Logan family expresses their view
about their right as people, and their place in society. The Logans
have had a desire for a better life, and have made numerous
attempts to achieve this. Cassie has always experienced love and
support from her family. That is the core structure that defines
her, keeps her grounded and allows for her advancement. As her
father mentioned if she doesnt stand up for herself and respect
herself, no one else will.
Slide 8
Realizing that T.J. is in dire need of help, Stacy, Cassie,
Christopher-John and Little man come to his rescue. Unfortunately,
T.J.s friendship with R.W. and Melvin has turned deadly. R.W. and
Melvin never saw themselves as equals to T.J. Instead, they viewed
themselves as superiors who had the authority to do as they pleased
with him. This idea of superiority is a reoccurring theme used to
empower whites. Knowing that the lives of innocent people, the
Avery family, are in jeopardy, David resorts to drastic measures.
Starting a fire on his property amidst a thunder storm provides
just the distraction to save T.J. for the time being. Attempting to
put out the fire, both blacks and whites began to work together
side by side. Although Cassie has experienced racism first hand, I
think she still holds an optimistic view for the future. She is
aware that there are good and bad people both black and white. I
feel Cassie views the difference in treatment between the races and
unfair, and she is frightened about losing T.J. and their land.
However, she knows that she cant give up her desire for equality.
What had happened to T.J. in the night I did not understand, but I
knew it would not pass. And I cried for those things which had
happened in the night and would not pass. I cried for T.J. For T.J.
and the land. (p.276
Slide 9
Flooded school bus:
pictureqld.slq.qld.gov.au/home/features/big-wet Car headlights:
www.the-instructor.com/update.html White Only Sign:
news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4482988.stm Fig tree:
http://www.stock-photography.co.za/stock-photography-fig-tree.htm
Wild Fire: www.weather.com/safeside/fire/index.html Book cover:
http://www.meaning.ca/images/book_covers/roll_thunder.jpg All other
images were found at Microsoft Office Online Clipart
http://office.microsoft.com/clipart
Slide 10
Slide 11
View the entire slide show if you learns best when you see the
big picture. The early slides will provide you with some background
about the setting & the characters.