Questions and Answers
What does the quote 'Ships at a distance have every man's wish on board' imply about men and women's wishes?
It establishes the difference between men and women, indicating that their needs and dreams differ.
Who are the speakers in the argument about nature and caution?
Lige Moss and Sam.
What does Nanny believe about the white man?
Nanny believes the white man is the ruler of everything.
What does Joe's statement 'mah wife don't know nothin' 'bout no speech-makin'' signify about his view of Janie?
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What does Janie's statement 'You don't know half as much 'bout us as you think you do' signify?
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What realization does Janie come to with her statement to Joe on his deathbed?
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What does Tea Cake's statement 'You'se something tuh make uh man forgit tuh git old and forgit tuh die' indicate about his feelings for Janie?
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What do Janie and Tea Cake do in the quote 'They seemed to be staring at the dark, but their eyes were watching God'?
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What is Janie's emotional state when she reflects that 'Here was peace. She pulled in her horizon like a great fish-net'?
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Study Notes
Key Quotes and Their Significance in Their Eyes Were Watching God
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"Ships at a distance..." emphasizes the divergent desires between men and women, highlighting recurring themes throughout the narrative about what each gender seeks from life and relationships.
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In the conversation between Lige and Sam, Lige advocates that all knowledge comes from divine nature, influencing Janie's self-awareness and understanding of her struggles and desires in her journey toward a harmonious life.
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Nanny's assertion that "the white man is de ruler of everything" reflects systemic racism and her internalized belief in the inferiority of Black individuals, particularly impacting Janie's self-esteem, leading her to conceal her identity and worth.
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Joe's dismissal of Janie's ability to make a speech at the lamp lighting ceremony exemplifies his controlling nature and perception of her incompetence, ultimately contributing to Janie finding her voice and strength during pivotal moments in the story.
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Janie's defiant statement to the men on the porch illustrates a turning point in her character development; she begins to assert herself and challenge societal expectations, marking a rare moment of empowerment in her marriage.
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On Joe’s deathbed, Janie's confrontation, “You done lived wid me for twenty years and you don't half know me atall,” signifies her awakening to her self-worth and recognition of her mistreatment, symbolizing a crucial change in her understanding of love and respect.
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Tea Cake’s romantic reassurance, “You'se something tuh make uh man forgit tuh git old and forgit tuh die,” reveals his love for Janie and underscores her struggle with trust due to past traumas, illustrating the complexities of her journey toward love and acceptance.
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The narrative's moment when it states, "They seemed to be staring at the dark, but their eyes were watching God," encapsulates the thematic essence of human vulnerability in the face of divine power, portraying the characters' reliance on faith amid chaos.
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The closing reflection, "Here was peace. She pulled in her horizon like a great fish-net," signifies Janie's ultimate achievement of peace and fulfillment, symbolizing her journey towards love, happiness, and independence, having realized her dreams.
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Description
This quiz focuses on significant quotes from Zora Neale Hurston's novel, 'Their Eyes Were Watching God'. Analyze the impact and meaning behind these powerful lines. Ideal for students and literature enthusiasts who wish to deepen their understanding of the text.
