Podcast
Questions and Answers
What did Tea Cake do after Mrs. Turner's brother was introduced?
What did Tea Cake do after Mrs. Turner's brother was introduced?
What does Janie mean when she says, 'If you kin see de light at daybreak...'?
What does Janie mean when she says, 'If you kin see de light at daybreak...'?
She believes that seeing the light means having faith in God and feeling ready to die.
What does the quote 'They seemed to be staring at the dark, but their eyes were watching God' signify?
What does the quote 'They seemed to be staring at the dark, but their eyes were watching God' signify?
It indicates the people's focus on faith amidst their struggles.
What does the guard say when Tea Cake is forced to help bury bodies?
What does the guard say when Tea Cake is forced to help bury bodies?
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What does Janie question when she hears about Tea Cake having rabies?
What does Janie question when she hears about Tea Cake having rabies?
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What does Janie's choice of attire at Tea Cake's funeral symbolize?
What does Janie's choice of attire at Tea Cake's funeral symbolize?
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What does Janie mean by 'Ah done been tuh de horizon and back'?
What does Janie mean by 'Ah done been tuh de horizon and back'?
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How does Janie describe love to Pheoby?
How does Janie describe love to Pheoby?
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What does Phoeby express to Janie after hearing her story?
What does Phoeby express to Janie after hearing her story?
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What does Janie tell Pheoby about living one's life?
What does Janie tell Pheoby about living one's life?
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What does the last line, 'She pulled in her horizon like a great fish-net' symbolize?
What does the last line, 'She pulled in her horizon like a great fish-net' symbolize?
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What thoughts does Jody have about Janie?
What thoughts does Jody have about Janie?
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What does Jody say when asked for a speech from Janie?
What does Jody say when asked for a speech from Janie?
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What does Jody imply about himself when he tells Janie about being a big voice?
What does Jody imply about himself when he tells Janie about being a big voice?
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How do the citizens feel when Jody starts using a spittoon?
How do the citizens feel when Jody starts using a spittoon?
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What does Janie resent about her grandmother?
What does Janie resent about her grandmother?
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What realization does Janie have about her marriage to Joe after a slap?
What realization does Janie have about her marriage to Joe after a slap?
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What does Janie do after Jody dies that signifies her liberation?
What does Janie do after Jody dies that signifies her liberation?
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What does Janie's daydream about while tending the store?
What does Janie's daydream about while tending the store?
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What does Janie suggest about life when she says, 'When you pull down yo' britches'?
What does Janie suggest about life when she says, 'When you pull down yo' britches'?
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What does Jody express to Janie as he is dying?
What does Jody express to Janie as he is dying?
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Study Notes
TEWWG Quotes Overview
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Jealousy and Control: Tea Cake’s jealousy leads to physical conflict with Janie; Mrs. Turner’s attempts to connect Janie with her brother ignite this reaction.
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Light and Life: Janie expresses that having faith (seeing light) makes life worthwhile regardless of its end, embodying a sense of hope and connection to God.
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Divine Observation: The phrase about "eyes watching God" suggests that despite darkness, there is a predetermined fate, transcending racial divides; God watches over all.
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Social Hierarchy: A guard’s remark about color and societal expectations highlights the tensions surrounding class and race at a time of tragedy.
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Fear of Loss: Janie grapples with the implications of Tea Cake’s illness, reflecting on the relationship between faith and the acceptance of fate, questioning divine intention.
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Expressions of Grief: Janie’s choice of attire at Tea Cake’s funeral symbolizes her profound grief overshadowing societal expectations and appearances.
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Life’s Journey: After sharing her story, Janie embraces her life's experiences and memories, marking a transition from innocence to understanding.
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Fluidity of Love: Janie teaches that love is not static but varies based on individual experiences, challenging societal norms of love’s definition.
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Awakening Desire: Phoeby's realization post-Janie's recounting indicates a newfound dissatisfaction with her own life's monotony, yearning for growth.
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Personal Growth: Janie emphasizes the necessity of individual experiences in seeking understanding about life and spirituality, advocating for personal journeys.
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Horizon Metaphor: Janie's imagery of pulling in horizons conveys her growth, capturing the essence of her life’s lessons and treasured memories.
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Objectification and Control: Jody’s assertion about Janie illustrates his desire for possession and superiority, reducing her to mere decoration.
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Silencing Voices: Jody’s patronizing remarks towards Janie reveal societal expectations of women and the silencing of their voices.
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Ambition and Identity: Jody’s ambitions demonstrate his perception of Janie as a reflection of his assertiveness, shaping her identity around his expectations.
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Social Division: Joe introduces class distinctions into Eatonville society, causing envy and resentment among the townspeople, altering their self-perception.
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Jealous Confinement: Janie’s struggle with her head rag symbolizes Jody’s jealousy and the suppression of her identity.
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Loss of Innocence: The departure of love and purity in Janie’s marriage results in a symbolic shedding of innocence, marking a significant turning point.
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Duality of Existence: Janie's recognition of having an "inside and an outside" showcases her developing self-awareness and ability to conceal true feelings.
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Yearning for Freedom: The imagery of Janie’s shadow versus her true self represents her inner conflict between societal constraints and her desire for freedom.
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Sexual Dynamics: Janie's confrontation with Jody symbolizes struggles around self-worth and sexuality, challenging their mutual perceptions.
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Unheeded Voice: Jody’s approaching death incites Janie to finally express her suppressed feelings, showcasing a pivotal moment of assertiveness.
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Liberation of Identity: Janie’s act of freeing her hair post-Jody’s death represents a reclaiming of her identity and newfound agency.
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Resentment Towards Nanny: Janie's realization of her hidden resentment towards her grandmother underscores the impact of legacy and expectations on identity.
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Understanding Love: Janie's reflection on the natural world equates to her understanding of love and its complexities, drawing parallels between nature and intimacy, suggesting both innocence and sexual awakening.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge of key quotes from Zora Neale Hurston's 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' with these flashcards. Each card features significant excerpts and their meanings to deepen your understanding of the themes and characters in the book.