Their Eyes Were Watching God - Characters and Themes (Lecture Notes)

A set of Q&A flashcards covering key characters, concepts of gender socialization, symbolism, irony, conflicts, and Janie's growth as presented in the notes.

Who is Janie Crawford and what is her journey?

Protagonist; her journey is about love, independence, and finding her own voice.

What does Logan Killicks represent in Janie's life?

Duty, security, and traditional gender roles.

How is Joe (Jody) Starks depicted and what does he embody?

Ambitious, controlling; embodies toxic masculinity; silences Janie, imposes a headrag, and treats her as a trophy wife.

Who is Tea Cake (Vergible Woods) and what role does he play in Janie's growth?

Her third husband; playful, risky, loving; helps Janie grow into independence.

What is Pheoby Watson's role in the story?

Janie's best friend and confidante; the person Janie tells her story to.

Who is Nanny Crawford and what does she value?

Janie's grandmother; values security and respectability over love.

What function do the Townspeople serve in the narrative?

They function as a collective character; gossip, judge, and enforce social norms.

What is the difference between sex and gender as described in the notes?

Sex is biological; gender is a cultural and social construct.

Who are listed as Agents of socialization?

Parents, teachers, peers, and media.

How is toxic masculinity reflected in Joe Starks' behavior?

He silences Janie, forces a headrag, and treats her as a trophy wife.

What traditional roles does Logan Killicks expect from Janie?

That Janie should work and stay in the kitchen.

What does the Pear Tree symbolize?

Janie's ideal of love and sexual awakening.

What does the Horizon symbolize?

Janie's dreams and longing for possibilities.

What does the Gate symbolize?

Thresholds and transitions (e.g., first kiss, leaving Logan).

What does the Head Rag symbolize?

Joe's restriction and suppression of Janie.

What does Janie's hair symbolize?

Freedom, self-expression, and femininity.

How does Joe Starks' treatment affect Janie's bloom?

It silences her and restricts independence, leading to a loss of her bloom.

What is the moral/ethical conflict described in the conflicts section?

Janie worries about the town judging her after marrying Tea Cake.

What is the psychological conflict related to Tea Cake's actions?

Janie doubts herself when Tea Cake steals money.

What is the emotional conflict in Janie's experience with Tea Cake?

Janie must kill Tea Cake; the trial blends all conflict types.

What is dramatic irony in the story?

The dog bite on Tea Cake—readers know it is fatal before Janie does.

What is situational irony about the ending?

The ending is tragic yet realistic; sad but fulfilling for Janie.

What is verbal irony in the town gossip?

Gossip often says one thing but means another.

What is Janie's growth arc across the novel?

From seeking security and validation to finding her own voice and independence.

How does love contribute to Janie's development across her marriages?

Love (as with Tea Cake) challenges and matures her, while earlier marriages frame security/social expectations; ultimately love helps her grow into independence.