Discuss the role played by Mr. Morrison in ‘Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry’

Authors Avatar

Discuss the role played by Mr. Morrison in ‘Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry’

          Mr. Morrison symbolises the strength of Afro-Americans in the face of adversity. He is a source of courage and protection for the Logan family, acting almost as a guardian angel when papa is not home. There is an air of myth surrounding Mr. Morrison, created by factors such as his stature, his deep voice and scarred features. This makes him an interesting and thus successful character for Mildred Taylor.

        When the children first meet Mr. Morrison, his description relates directly to Mildred Taylor’s imagery. The attention that she pays to the significance of trees as an emblem of strength, influences her description of the powerful Mr. Morrison:

Join now!

        “The man was a human tree in height, towering high above papa’s

        six feet two inches. The long trunk of his massive body bulged with         muscles…”

The living strength and permanence of trees are a symbol of the strength which the black community draws from its history, tradition and inheritance, and the ‘roots’ which have been put down in their land. Thus, the description of Mr. Morrison is in keeping with such imagery.

           The timing of Mr. Morrison’s    arrival assists Mildred Taylor in developing tension and suspense. He arrives on ...

This is a preview of the whole essay