Question

That very next morning Robert and I, sitting behind Hammond and George on their bays, went over to the patch of ground Mitchell’s family tended. Now, the Thomases, like all the other families who lived on my daddy’s land, were sharecroppers, and because of that fact, they were obliged to take heed of whatever my daddy or my brothers said. Miz Thomas was sure enough taking heed right now.

—The Land, Mildred D. Taylor

What does this passage reveal about the differences in power and status between characters in this historical context?

-The boys are assumed to be bringing orders from their father, who has the most power.
-There is a clear hierarchy of power between Paul, Robert, Hammond, and George.
-Miz Thomas, though she is the only adult in this scene, has the least power and must obey the brothers’ wishes.

Answer 1

The passage suggests that the boys, representing their father's authority, hold the most power in the situation. Miz Thomas, despite being an adult, is depicted as having less power and is expected to obey the commands of the boys. This highlights the hierarchical power dynamics within the sharecropping community, where authority and influence are largely determined by factors such as gender and land ownership. Therefore, the correct option would be: -The boys are assumed to be bringing orders from their father, who has the most power.