Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry?

Question

Papa points out a fig tree next to large oak and walnut trees. He tells Cassie that the Logan family is like the fig tree:
     
     "Just keeps growing and doing what it gotta do. It don’t give up. It give up, it’ll die. There’s a lesson to be learned from that little tree, Cassie girl, ’cause we’re like it. We keep doing what we gotta, and we don’t give up. We can’t."

    Now consider Papa’s words. In what ways is the family like the fig tree? What might the larger oak and walnut trees represent? What do the trees symbolize?

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

The fig tree's fight for survival represents the Logan family fighting for their land which represents their freedom. Despite being overshadowed by these much larger, more powerful trees, they do not give in. The fig tree works hard to survive and in doing so bears fruit that is sweeter and more sought after than the seeds of the oak or walnut.
The oak and walnut represent the Wallaces, the Simms and the Grangers, all who want to see the Logans fall and to take their land. 
The idea of equality and right to survive comes strongly into play, but Papa refuses to enstill a sense of inequality in his children. Blacks and Whites are equal and he knows the dangers his children face in such a racist world but he never relents in telling them how important their land and their freedom is.

Anonymous · Answer

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Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry?

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