One of the characters in the novel mentions that he or she will have to "pay the bill" for a white man taking advantage of Tom's
ignorance. What is meant by "pay the bill"? racial upheaval and violence
the end of Jim Crow laws
reparations for slavery
massive migration to the North
The phrase "pay the bill" refers to paying for one's own expenses. However, in this case, the phrase refers to making up for a mistake, or facing the consequences of one's actions. By saying that someone would have to "pay the bills," the character implies that there has been some bad action and that someone will pay for it. This most likely refers to some act between blacks and whites, and the payment will most likely come in the way of violence.
