Questions and Answers
How do the men at the store tease Matt Bonner about his mule?
The joke about the mule being off somewhere getting into trouble
Why is Janie having such a hard time managing the store?
Because Joe had forbidden her to engage in the teasing of Matt Bonner about his mule
Why does Starks buy the mule from Matt Bonner?
Because he overheard Janie saying that the men should put the mule out of its misery
How is freeing the mule symbolic? To whom do the townspeople compare Starks?
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Why doesn't Joe allow Janie to go to the 'draggin'-out'?
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Why does Joe think that Janie is being ungrateful?
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Why does Joe slap Janie?
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After being slapped, the narrator explains that 'something fell off the shelf inside her.' What was it that fell? Explain.
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Study Notes
Teasing Matt Bonner
- The men at the store mock Matt Bonner, implying his mule is off misbehaving, which highlights their camaraderie and humor at his expense.
Janie's Struggles
- Janie struggles to manage the store due to Joe's command that forbids her from participating in teasing Matt about his mule, reflecting his controlling nature.
Purchase of the Mule
- Starks buys the mule from Matt Bonner after overhearing Janie suggest the mule should be put out of its misery, indicating her compassion and Starks' desire to impress her.
Symbolism of the Mule
- The act of freeing the mule symbolizes liberation for both the animal and Janie, as townspeople liken Starks' actions to those of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, heroes of freedom.
Restrictions on Janie
- Joe prevents Janie from attending the "draggin’-out" event, believing it unsuitable for a woman and disrespectful for a mayor's wife, showcasing his patriarchal views.
Joe's Perception of Janie
- Joe perceives Janie's sullen demeanor as ingratitude, reflecting his expectation for her to be compliant and supportive without expressing her emotions.
Joe's Violence
- Joe slaps Janie after she disrupts his dinner, demonstrating his authoritarian attitude and escalating tensions in their relationship.
Loss of Innocence
- The narrator notes that after the slap, Janie’s innocence "fell off the shelf," signifying her loss of trust and emotional openness, marking a pivotal change in her character development.
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Description
Test your knowledge of Chapter 6 of 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' with these flashcard questions. Explore the interactions among characters and their implications in the story. This quiz focuses on Janie's challenges and Starks' actions related to the mule.
