Chapter 7: Their Eyes were Watching God Quiz

Questions and Answers

What did Janie get from Joe?

She got nothing from Jody except what money could buy.

Explain the following sentence: 'She sat and watched the shadow of herself going about tending store and prostrating itself before Jody, while all the time she herself sat under a shady tree with the wind blowing through her hair and her clothes.'

Janie had withdrawn into herself so deeply that she now daydreams even when she talks with Joe and works around the store.

Why does Joe tell Janie to stop playing croquet?

Joe tells Janie to stop playing because she will allegedly become so sore she won't be able to get out of bed tomorrow.

How does Joe look older?

Instead of sitting in a chair, Joe now just falls into it. His eyes are missing a little spark of life, and his belly, which was always prominent, now 'sagged like a load suspended from his loins.' Signup and view all the answers

What mistake does Janie make in the store?

The piece of tobacco that she cuts for Steve Mixon is too big. Signup and view all the answers

Why do people stop laughing at Joe's insult of Janie's body?

They are a little ashamed of themselves after the impact of Joe's insult is understood. Signup and view all the answers

According to Janie, what has Joe 'mixed up'?

Joe has confused what Janie did with what Janie looks like. Signup and view all the answers

How does Janie describe herself to Joe?

Janie says that she looks her age, which means that she is a mature woman and not an old maid. Signup and view all the answers

Who starts to tease Joe after Janie's retort?

Walter and Lige Moss start to taunt Joe. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'playin' de dozens' mean?

The 'dozens' is a term used when two people have an exchange of insults in front of others. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Joe and Janie's Relationship

Janie received nothing meaningful from Joe except material wealth, emphasizing emotional emptiness in their marriage.

Janie's Self-Perception

Janie observes her disconnect from reality, symbolized by her shadow tending the store while she experiences a daydream-like state under a tree, indicating profound introspection and isolation.

Joe's Control Over Janie

Joe discourages Janie's participation in croquet for invalid reasons, exhibiting his controlling nature and diminishing her independence.

Joe's Aging

Joe shows signs of aging through physical decline; he falls into chairs, his eyes lack vibrancy, and his belly sags, reflecting both physical and emotional deterioration.

Janie's Mistake in the Store

Janie's error in cutting a piece of tobacco too large signifies her waning focus and possibly her emotional conflict in her role in Joe’s store.

Community Reaction to Insult

The community's laughter subsides after Joe insults Janie, revealing a collective shame as they acknowledge the cruelty of his words and its impact.

Joe's Misunderstanding of Janie

Janie points out Joe's mistake in confusing her actions with her appearance, hinting at deeper issues of identity and judgment in their relationship.

Janie's Acceptance of Age

Janie asserts her maturity by stating she looks her age, challenging societal expectations of femininity and aging.

Taunting After Insult

After Janie's sharp retort to Joe, Walter and Lige Moss begin to mock him, indicating the shift in power dynamics and community support for Janie.

Definition of "Playing de Dozens"

"Playing de dozens" refers to a ritualistic exchange of insults, highlighting social dynamics and norms of verbal sparring within the community.

Description

Test your understanding of Chapter 7 from Zora Neale Hurston's 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' with these flashcards. Explore key themes and character dynamics as you reflect on Janie's experiences and her reflections on life during this pivotal chapter.