Podcast
Questions and Answers
Who is the protagonist of the novel?
Who is the protagonist of the novel?
Janie Mae Crawford
What is the name of Janie's third husband?
What is the name of Janie's third husband?
Tea Cake
Who is Jody Starks?
Who is Jody Starks?
Janie's second husband
Who is Janie's first husband?
Who is Janie's first husband?
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Identify Janie's best friend in Eatonville.
Identify Janie's best friend in Eatonville.
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Who is Nanny Crawford?
Who is Nanny Crawford?
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Who are Mr. and Mrs. Turner?
Who are Mr. and Mrs. Turner?
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Who is Sam Watson?
Who is Sam Watson?
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What does Leafy Crawford do?
What does Leafy Crawford do?
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Who is Amos Hicks?
Who is Amos Hicks?
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Identify an incident that prompts Nanny to force Janie to marry.
Identify an incident that prompts Nanny to force Janie to marry.
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What symbolizes Janie's independence?
What symbolizes Janie's independence?
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What are the themes present in the novel?
What are the themes present in the novel?
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What does Janie change after Joe's death?
What does Janie change after Joe's death?
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What is the reaction of the townspeople to Janie's return?
What is the reaction of the townspeople to Janie's return?
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What is Joe's position in Eatonville?
What is Joe's position in Eatonville?
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What board game do Janie and Tea Cake play?
What board game do Janie and Tea Cake play?
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How does Tea Cake contract rabies?
How does Tea Cake contract rabies?
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What is the jury's verdict regarding Janie's shooting of Tea Cake?
What is the jury's verdict regarding Janie's shooting of Tea Cake?
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Describe the decline in Tea Cake's health.
Describe the decline in Tea Cake's health.
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What does Tea Cake teach Janie in the Everglades?
What does Tea Cake teach Janie in the Everglades?
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What does Janie feel about Nunkie?
What does Janie feel about Nunkie?
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How do the men treat Janie after Joe's death?
How do the men treat Janie after Joe's death?
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What does Mrs. Turner think about Tea Cake?
What does Mrs. Turner think about Tea Cake?
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Study Notes
Characters
- Janie Mae Crawford: Protagonist with mixed ancestry; defies gender stereotypes through independence; matures by understanding others' perspectives.
- Tea Cake: Janie's third husband; a younger charismatic man who respects Janie; flawed yet relatable character due to his imperfections.
- Jody Starks: Janie's second husband; ambitious and powerful in Eatonville, treating Janie as an object; their marriage deteriorates over time.
- Logan Killicks: Janie's first husband, arranged by her grandmother Nanny; provides financial security but lacks emotional connection, leading Janie to leave him.
- Phoeby Watson: Janie's best friend who supports her against town gossip; serves as the audience for Janie's story.
- Nanny Crawford: Janie's grandmother; emphasizes financial security due to her past as a slave, leading to tension with Janie's pursuit of independence.
- Mr. and Mrs. Turner: Everglades residents who idolize Janie's Caucasian features; express disdain for darker appearances; don't understand Janie's marriage to Tea Cake.
- Sam Watson: Phoeby's humorous and wise husband; acknowledges Jody's flaws yet recognizes his contributions to Eatonville.
- Leafy Crawford: Janie's mother who ran away after giving birth; her troubled past affects Janie's upbringing.
- Motor Boat: Friend of Tea Cake and Janie; flees the hurricane with them.
- Dr. Simmons: White doctor well-regarded in the Everglades.
Themes
- Language: Explores the significance of speech and silence in communication.
- Power and Conquest: Delve into how power dynamics affect fulfillment in relationships.
- Love vs Independence: Investigates the balance between love, relationships, and personal freedom.
Motifs
- Community: Community dynamics and societal pressure play critical roles.
- Race and Racism: Highlights the impact of racial identity on personal relationships.
- Religion: Incorporates folklore elements that reflect cultural beliefs.
Symbols
- Hair: Signifies identity and personal freedom.
- Pear Tree and Horizon: Represents Janie's idealized views on love and the future.
- Hurricane: Symbolizes turmoil and life’s unpredictability.
Chapter Insights
- Chapter 1: Townspeople react to Janie's return with confusion, disappointment, and fury.
- Chapter 5: Eatonville becomes more civilized under Joe Starks' leadership; he is feared rather than respected.
- Chapter 8: Joe's health declines as he becomes increasingly critical of Janie.
- Chapter 10: Janie and Tea Cake bond over checkers, signaling a shift in her life.
- Chapter 11: Tea Cake is 25; he begins a respectful courtship with Janie, demonstrating genuine interest.
- Chapter 14: Janie learns to hunt; their marriage allows her to explore her happiness freely.
- Chapter 15: Janie's jealousy of Nunkie reflects her insecurities in her relationship with Tea Cake.
- Chapter 19: Details the decline of Tea Cake's health and Janie's emotional turmoil; culminates in her tragic decision to shoot him in self-defense.
Important Events
- Nanny's Marriage Arrangement: Janie's marriage to Logan Killicks is a result of Nanny's priorities for security over love.
- Joe's Funeral: Explores societal expectations and Janie's transition into widowhood.
- Hurricane Path: Community and survival during the storm illustrate resilience and chaos.
Final Notes
- Janie’s Growth: Her journey from oppression to self-discovery emphasizes the strength found in independence and love.
- Community Dynamics: Reflects on how societal views shape personal relationships and individual identities.
- Narrative’s Conclusion: Janie's realization of her story and experiences reflects understanding and acceptance, culminating in her feelings of astonishment and surprise conveyed to Phoeby at the end.
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Description
Test your knowledge about the protagonist and themes of Zora Neale Hurston's 'Their Eyes Were Watching God'. This quiz will cover character analysis, themes, and significant events in the novel. Perfect for English 11 students preparing for their semester exam.
