Sharecropping Legacy in “Roll of Thunder”

Mildred D. Taylor's novel, "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry," is a richly woven tapestry of historical fiction that offers a poignant exploration of life in the South during the era of the Great Depression. One of the most significant themes in the novel is the harsh and oppressive reality of sharecropping, a system that ensnared countless African American families in a cycle of poverty and debt. Through vivid storytelling and compelling character experiences, Taylor provides readers with a detailed understanding of the struggles faced by sharecropping families.

This essay examines how the novel portrays the economic and social challenges of sharecropping, using specific quotes and examples to illuminate the depth of hardship faced by characters like the Avery family, while also highlighting the socio-political constraints that exacerbated their plight.

The Harsh Reality of Sharecropping

The novel paints a vivid picture of the destitution experienced by sharecropping families, as exemplified by the Avery family, who sharecropped on Granger land. The quote describing T.J. Avery and his brother Claude—"A tall, emaciated-looking boy popped suddenly from a forest trail and swung a thin arm around Stacey...Neither boy had on shoes, and their Sunday clothing, patched and worn, hung loosely upon their frail frames"—serves as a stark illustration of their poverty. The lack of basic necessities such as shoes and proper clothing highlights the extreme deprivation faced by sharecroppers, who often lived on the brink of survival.

Cassie's observation that Mama buys their clothes in shifts subtly underscores the financial strain on sharecropping families. This detail reflects the continuous struggle to make ends meet, with parents forced to prioritize immediate needs over long-term comfort or security. The precarious nature of their existence is further highlighted by the systemic exploitation inherent in the sharecropping system itself.

Consider the quote where the character laments the exploitative arrangement: "When cotton-pickin’ time comes, he sells my cotton, takes half of it, pays my debt up at that store and my interest for they credit, then charges me ten to fifteen percent more as ‘risk’ money for signin’ for me in the first place. This year I earned me near two hundred dollars after Mr. Montier took his half of the crop money, but I ain’t seen a penny of it. In fact, if I manage to come out even without owin’ that man nothin’, I figure I’ve had a good year." Here, the novel delves into the economic entrapment of sharecroppers, revealing how landowners manipulated debts and profits to maintain control over their tenants.

Social and Legal Constraints

Beyond the economic exploitation, "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry" also addresses the legal and social barriers that compounded the difficulties of sharecroppers. The narrative reveals how laws and social norms restricted the autonomy of sharecropping families, effectively trapping them in a cycle of dependency and subjugation. The quote, "Mr. Avery nodded self-consciously, then leaned forward in his chair and looked out into the forest. ‘But – but that ain’t all Mr. Granger said. Said, too, we don’t give up this shoppin’ in Vicksburg, we can just get off his land. Says he tired of us stirrin’ up trouble ‘gainst decent white folks,’" illustrates the coercive power landowners wielded over sharecroppers, threatening eviction and legal repercussions for any attempts to assert independence.

The threat of being put on the "chain gang," as mentioned in the novel, loomed large over sharecroppers who dared to resist or challenge the status quo. This threat, essentially a form of forced labor reminiscent of slavery, ensured compliance through fear and intimidation. The novel thus sheds light on the broader socio-political dynamics that sustained the oppressive sharecropping system, making escape or improvement nearly impossible for those ensnared by it.

Family Dynamics and Survival Strategies

In addition to these systemic challenges, the novel explores the personal and familial aspects of life as a sharecropper. The presence of large families, as seen in the Avery household with "all eight of the Avery children, including the four pre-schoolers, crowded into the kitchen with the boys and me," was not uncommon during this period. While having many children often meant additional mouths to feed, it also represented a strategy for survival. With more hands to work the fields, families hoped to increase their agricultural output and, potentially, their income, inching closer to the dream of owning their own land.

However, this strategy also underscores the desperation and limited options available to sharecropping families. The hope that more children might someday lead to economic independence highlights the profound lack of opportunity and the enduring cycle of poverty that characterized the sharecropping experience.

Conclusion

In "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry," Mildred D. Taylor masterfully weaves a narrative that not only tells a compelling story but also serves as a powerful commentary on the injustices of the sharecropping system. Through the experiences of characters like the Avery family, Taylor highlights the brutal economic exploitation, social constraints, and personal sacrifices endured by sharecroppers. The novel provides a window into a difficult era of American history, offering valuable insights into the resilience and determination of those who lived through it. By examining the multifaceted challenges faced by sharecropping families, Taylor's work remains an essential resource for understanding the complex legacy of this oppressive system.

Did you like this example?

631

33