Roots Lesson Plan

Why does Matilda ask Tom to be the head of the family, even though by tradition she should have expected her oldest son, Virgil, to fill that role in the absence of her husband, Chicken George?

Students should be asked to consider notions of character and responsibility in Matilda's decision. Tom is the son who spends his money wisely; who has a steady form of employment that he is very good at, creating great demand for his talents; and who is reliable when family needs predominate. Tom is self-sacrificing and committed to being helpful to his mother, his siblings, and the other slaves at the Lea's plantation.

What does the demand by the white residents of Henning...