Their Eyes Were Watching God Flashcards

Character Relationships and Dynamics

• Nanny wants Janie to marry Logan Killicks, believing he is a better option than Johnny Taylor.
• Janie is in love with Tea Cake, which marks a significant emotional relationship in her life.

Themes and Symbolism

• The life of men is depicted as being mocked by Time, indicating a deep theme of temporality and human experience.
• Janie often symbolizes love as a blossoming pear tree, representing her desires and evolution throughout the story.

Social Context

• Janie faces social scrutiny when she walks by without stopping to speak, revealing societal expectations of women and community interaction.
• The gossipy women in the community gather at the church's Judgement Day to learn about Janie's life, illustrating the role of religion and community judgment.

Characters and their Backgrounds

• Janie was raised in West Florida by her grandmother and white folk, highlighting her mixed-race heritage.
• Janie believed she was white until she was six years old, which affected her identity and perception.

Critical Events

• Janie discovers her racial identity when a camera man takes a group picture, revealing her true background.
• Nanny shares the traumatic history of her daughter Leafy, emphasizing generational trauma and Nanny's concerns for Janie’s safety with young men.

Key Incidents

• Janie is caught by Nanny sharing a kiss with Johnny Taylor, showcasing the themes of youth and restriction.
• Janie's marriage to Logan Killicks takes place in Nanny's parlor, indicating familial ties in personal decisions.

Food Symbolism

• At her wedding to Logan Killicks, Janie has a meal of three cakes, fried rabbit, and chicken, symbolizing traditional celebrations but contrasting her emotional struggles.

Personal Struggles

• Janie's struggle in her marriage to Logan Killicks stems from a lack of love, highlighting her journey toward self-discovery and emotional fulfillment.