Podcast
Questions and Answers
Who is Janie Crawford's first husband?
Who is Janie Crawford's first husband?
What is Nanny Crawford's relationship to Janie?
What is Nanny Crawford's relationship to Janie?
Grandmother
Joe Starks is Janie's second husband who treats her poorly.
Joe Starks is Janie's second husband who treats her poorly.
True
What does Tea Cake teach Janie?
What does Tea Cake teach Janie?
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What significant trait does Mrs. Turner display?
What significant trait does Mrs. Turner display?
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Match the characters with their traits:
Match the characters with their traits:
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What does Janie's grandma, Nanny, want for her?
What does Janie's grandma, Nanny, want for her?
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Who is the first boy that Janie kisses?
Who is the first boy that Janie kisses?
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Motor Boat is a character who survives the flood by escaping.
Motor Boat is a character who survives the flood by escaping.
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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.
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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.