'Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry' Questions for Study and Discussion

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry is an award-winning novel by Mildred Taylor. But, what does it mean? Why is the book so controversial? What does the book have to say about Depression-era Mississippi? Here are a few questions for study and discussion, related to Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry.Questions for Study and Discussion

• What is important about the title?
  
  
• What are the conflicts in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry? What types of conflict (physical, moral, intellectual, or emotional) are in this novel?
  
  
• How does Mildred Taylor reveal character in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry?
  
  
• What are some themes in the story? How do they relate to the plot and characters?
  
  
• What are some symbols in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry? How do they relate to the plot and characters?
  
  
• Is Cassie consistent in her actions? Is she a fully developed character? How? Why?
  
  
• Do you find the characters likable? Would you want to meet the characters?
  
  
• Does the novel end the way you expected? How? Why?
  
  
• What is the central/primary purpose of the story? Is the purpose important or meaningful?
  
  
• How does this novel relate to other coming-of-age novels?
  
  
• Is Cassie a strong character?
  
  
• How essential is the setting to the story? Could the story have taken place anywhere else? In any other time?
  
  
• What is the role of women/girls in the text? What is the role of family?
  
  
• Why is Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry controversial? Why has it been banned/challenged?
  
  
• How does Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry relate to current society? Is the novel still relevant?
  
  
• Would you recommend this novel to a friend?