Jeremy In The Future example essay topic

I will be discussing the role of Jeremy Simms in the book Role of Thunder Hear My Cry. Jeremy is a white boy. He lives with his family who are racists. Jeremy reaches out to black children in his community particularly the Logan children (Stacey, Cassie, Christopher-John and Little Man). I will look at the role played by Jeremy Simms and I will look at what he represents. We first see Jeremy walking to school with the Logan children and TJ, Jeremy does not get the bus to school with the other white children he walks with the black children: When Jeremy Simms spied us from his high perch on the forest path, he ran down hastily joined us.

This shows that Jeremy is not afraid of what the other white children think. This shows that Jeremy has a strong character and that Jeremy is reaching out to the black community. He is above the others in society and not afraid of what others think. He can see past the colour of peoples skin and see what is inside. Jeremy does not take the school bus with other white children he walks with the black children. This shows that Jeremy is concerned about his friends and concerned about the situation in society at the time.

The fact that Jeremy does not get the bus with other white children shows strength of character. This strength of character could enable Jeremy to make a difference in the future. At Christmas Jeremy visits the Logan family house. He gives Stacey a gift of a flute: Jeremy... handed a slender, paper-wrapped object to Stacey. Made this for ya, he said The flute symbolizes harmony between the races, the fact that it is a musical instrument is also significant. Music is an international language which can bring everyone together despite their race.

Stacey takes the gift and he puts it in his bo of treasured things. He does not play on the flute, this shows that Stacey is not ready for the friendship with Jeremy. He treasures the flute which may indicate a possible friendship between races in the future. Papa is not too certain about Jeremy, he tells Stacey to be careful. Papa is obviously very wise and he believes that the blacks should keep themselves to themselves.

He feels that the friendship could be dangerous to Stacey and possibly to Jeremy. Papa is obviously a huge influence on Stacey and Papas scepticism rubs off on Stacey. Jeremy tells Stacey, Cassie, Christopher-John and Little Man about the tree house he has. He says: I can see and hear things only the squirrels and birds can see and hear Jeremys is literally above other white people and emotionally above them. He can see things others can not this could mean that Jeremy can see more than others. He can see past the colour of somebody's skin.

This shows us that Jeremy has knowledge that others do not. Jeremy has a dream for the future, he wants to live in a treehouse. The trees represent a strong foundation for the future. He has the freedom to dream, Stacey is not willing to accept this dream at the moment. This shows that at the moment a strong inter race relationship can not take place, maybe in the future Jeremys dream could become reality. When reading the book I noticed a huge difference between the Family of Jeremy and the Logan family.

This shows that the Logan family is closer together than the Simms family. The Black family have had to stick together and stay strong to keep the land despite the racial discrimination in their society. Jeremy is currently a very weak symbol of future peace. He is currently too weak to change anything in the society and eradicate racist views. Jeremy has a slight speech impediment in the form of a stutter: Jeremy stuttered an apology I-I just meant we could still see eachother Jeremy wants to voice his opinions but is held back by a stutter. The stutter represents Jeremy not having freedom of speech.

This shows the restrictions on the society Jeremy can not speak up for what he believes in. Mildred Taylor probably aimed this book at the young people in todays society. She represents many different types of people with the aim to break down the stereotypes held of the era. Jeremy in the future may become a stronger figure in the society. Jeremy plays the role of hope for the future he represents that one day there will be an integrated society with freedom of speech.

The future hope is indicated with symbolism. Foundations for the future are being laid in the way of Jeremys tree house and future harmony between races is shown with the gift of a flute. 33d.