Their Eyes Were Watching God, Chapter 15

Questions and Answers

What does one of the women in Jacksonville, named Nunkie, do to Tea Cake?

Begin to flirt with him.

How far do Nunkie and Tea Cake go in their flirting before Janie finally confronts them?

They begin playfully touching each other and have a 'struggle' one day in a sugar cane field.

Did Tea Cake genuinely love Nunkie?

False

What are the two main purposes of this chapter?

To show what Janie will do if temptation and jealousy enter into one of her relationships and to provide further evidence of Tea Cake manipulating Janie. Signup and view all the answers

How does Hurston depict racism throughout Their Eyes Were Watching God?

Completely free of politics and as unbiased as possible; however, considering this is from an African-American point of view, some critics called the work biased regardless. Signup and view all the answers

In Their Eyes Were Watching God, which race is racist towards the other?

Both whites and blacks are racist towards each other. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 15 Insights

Nunkie, a woman from Jacksonville, flirts with Tea Cake, highlighting themes of attraction and rivalry.
Their playful interaction escalates to touching and a "struggle" in a sugar cane field, prompting Janie's confrontation.
Tea Cake's lack of genuine feelings for Nunkie emphasizes his commitment to Janie and foreshadows potential conflicts.

Themes of Jealousy and Manipulation

The chapter illustrates potential jealousy and temptation that could threaten Janie and Tea Cake's relationship.
Evidence of Tea Cake's manipulation of Janie's emotions is presented, stirring tensions and insecurities.

Representation of Racism

Racism is depicted in a manner that is devoid of overt political commentary, emphasizing personal experiences and interactions.
The perspective is particularly influenced by African-American experiences, leading some critics to label the work as biased.

Interracial Racism

Both white and black characters exhibit racial prejudices towards each other, illustrating mutual hostility and societal tensions.

Description

Test your knowledge of Chapter 15 from 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' through these flashcards. This chapter explores the dynamics between Janie, Tea Cake, and Nunkie, highlighting themes of love and jealousy. Perfect for those studying Zora Neale Hurston's work.