Their Eyes Were Watching God

Questions and Answers

Where are the Seminoles going and why?

To higher ground; they paid attention to the signs in nature telling them that a hurricane is coming.

What reasons does Tea Cake give Lias for not leaving?

He didn't want to leave because the money was really good right then and he didn't want the others to get it and he miss out.

How do Tea Cake, Janie, and the others who stayed pass the time waiting for the weather to turn?

They sat around talking, boosting each other's courage; they ate, made jokes, sang songs, danced, slept, and played dice.

What does the author mean by 'six eyes were questioning God'?

They didn't know who to ask. Signup and view all the answers

What do you think Janie means by 'Ah fumblin' round and God opened de door'?

God stepped in and brought Tea Cake to her and let her finally experience the love that she had also wanted. Signup and view all the answers

What does the title of the novel mean in the immediate sense of the hurricane and in the larger sense of the book's themes?

They are laying still, looking to God to see what He will do; they are looking to see what God will do and how it will affect their lives. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Motor Boat stay in the abandoned house?

Because he is tired and doesn't want to continue any farther. Signup and view all the answers

How does Tea Cake save Janie from the dog, and what happens as a result?

Pulling the dog into the water and trying to stab him; the dog bit Tea Cake. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Seminoles and Hurricane

The Seminoles are moving to higher ground in anticipation of an approaching hurricane, utilizing natural signs as indicators of the impending storm.

Tea Cake's Decision

Tea Cake expresses reluctance to leave town due to the lucrative money available at that moment, desiring not to miss out compared to others who might take advantage.

Coping Mechanisms

Tea Cake, Janie, and the remaining townsfolk pass time by engaging in conversation, sharing jokes, singing, dancing, eating, sleeping, and playing dice to uplift spirits during the wait for weather changes.

Questioning Divine Will

The phrase "six eyes were questioning God" illustrates a state of uncertainty, where characters feel lost and do not know to whom they should pose their inquiries.

Seeking Divine Intervention

Janie's statement "Ah fumblin' round and God opened de door" suggests divine intervention where God brought Tea Cake into her life, enabling her to finally experience the love she had long craved.

Symbolism in the Title

The novel's title reflects an immediate focus on the hurricane; characters await God's actions regarding the storm, while in a broader sense, it encapsulates overarching themes of faith, fate, and human resilience.

Motor Boat's Choice

Motor Boat opts to remain in an abandoned house due to fatigue, indicating a desire for rest amidst chaos rather than continuing onward.

Tea Cake's Heroism

Tea Cake rescues Janie from an attacking dog by dragging the animal into water and attempting to stab it; this act of bravery comes at a cost as the dog bites him in the process.

Description

Test your knowledge of Chapter 18 from 'Their Eyes Were Watching God.' This quiz includes key questions and answers that explore the characters' decisions and the unfolding events of the story. Challenge yourself and see how well you understand this pivotal chapter!