Quiz on Their Eyes Were Watching God Characters

Study Notes

Janie Crawford

Central character with partial white ancestry, raised by her grandmother Nanny.
Initially married to Logan Killicks, whom she leaves for Joe Starks.
Learns true love with Tea Cake Woods, later grappling with his sudden death.
Embodies dreams and instincts for happiness; her narrative voice intertwines with Hurston’s.

Nanny Crawford

Janie's grandmother, a former slave representing the fears of her era.
Values wealth and security, pushes Janie to marry Logan for land.
Nanny’s disappointment in her past drives her nurturing of Janie.

The Washburns

Wealthy white family for whom Nanny worked as a nanny.
Treated Janie as part of their family, influencing her upbringing.

Logan Killicks

Janie's unloving first husband, significantly older than her.
Treats Janie as a possession, lacks emotional connection.
His realization of losing Janie to Joe is helpless.

Joe Starks

Ambitious mayor of Eatonville, second husband to Janie.
Seeks power through oppressive measures, similar to white supremacy.
Provides Janie with material wealth but suppresses her voice.

Tea Cake (Vergible Woods)

Janie's third husband, 12 years younger and embodies adventure.
Teaches Janie about love, cultural roots, and natural living.
Dies from rabies while saving Janie during a flood.

Pheoby Watson

Janie's best friend and confidante, represents the everyday person.
Provides a listening ear and serves as a voice to share Janie's story.
Experiences personal growth through Janie's narrative.

Sam Watson

Pheoby's supportive husband; demonstrates loyalty to Janie.
Displays impatience for gossip within their community.

Mrs. Turner

A mixed-race restaurant owner with a class-conscious mindset.
Disdains her black identity, contrasting with Janie's acceptance.
Represents the dangers of rejecting one's cultural heritage.

The Porch Sitters

Community members who gossip and scrutinize Janie’s life.
Include a mix of men and women, symbolizing societal judgment.

The Workers in the Muck

Migrant laborers in the Everglades, friends of Tea Cake.
Focus on living joyfully rather than engaging in gossip.

Leafy

Janie's mother, whose traumatic experiences shape Nanny's actions.
Became an alcoholic after being raped, leading to her troubled life.

Nunkie

A young girl attracted to Tea Cake, representing temptation.

Johnny Taylor

Janie's first kiss, whose encounter prompts Nanny to arrange Janie's marriage.

Hezekiah

A boy who assists Janie after Joe’s death, mimicking Joe humorously.

Annie Tyler

A wealthy widow whose reckless decision to elope with a younger man leads to loss.
Serves as a cautionary figure for Janie concerning risky relationships.

Motor Boat

Tea Cake's friend who chooses inaction during the flood; ultimately remains safe.

Dr. Simmons

Noble white character who attempts to save Tea Cake from rabies.
Testifies on Janie's behalf during her trial after Tea Cake's death.

Daisy Blunt

Beautiful black girl with white features, reflecting societal beauty standards.

Description

Explore the key characters from Zora Neale Hurston's 'Their Eyes Were Watching God'. This quiz highlights the main character, Janie Crawford, and her complex relationships. Dive into Janie's journey through love, loss, and independence.

Their Eyes Were Watching God Characters

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Questions and Answers

Who is Janie Crawford's first husband?

What is Nanny Crawford's relationship to Janie?

Joe Starks is Janie's second husband who treats her poorly.

What does Tea Cake teach Janie?

What significant trait does Mrs. Turner display?

Match the characters with their traits:

What does Janie's grandma, Nanny, want for her?

Who is the first boy that Janie kisses?

Motor Boat is a character who survives the flood by escaping.