Their Eyes Were Watching God (AP English Literature and Composition) Notes

What event prompts Janie to return to Eatonville in Chapter One?

Janie returns after burying the dead.

How does Nanny view Janie's romantic choices in Chapter Two?

Nanny believes that marriage should precede love and is protective due to her own past experiences.

What does the pear tree symbolize for Janie in Chapter Two?

The pear tree symbolizes Janie's ideal notions of love, happiness, and escapism.

What major realization does Janie have regarding marriage in Chapter Three?

Janie realizes that marriage does not equate to love.

How does Janie's relationship with Logan Killicks evolve in Chapter Four?

Janie becomes merely tolerant of Logan, feeling unfulfilled and seeking change.

What does Joe Starks represent to Janie in Chapter Four?

Joe stands for everything Janie desires in life, symbolizing chance and change.

What conflicting roles do Janie and Joe assume in Chapter Five?

Joe is the 'face' of the marriage, while Janie takes on the role of the 'heart'.

How does Jody's behavior evolve in Chapter Six?

Jody becomes more controlling and suppressive, stifling Janie's spirit.

What causes Janie's emotional withdrawal in Chapter Seven?

Janie begins to emotionally distance herself from Jody due to his increasing cruelty.

What significant event marks a turning point in Janie and Jody's relationship in Chapter Eight?

Jody physically assaults Janie for the first time.

In Chapter Nine, how does Jody's deteriorating health affect his treatment of Janie?

Jody's health decline worsens his cruelty and insecurities toward Janie.

How do societal expectations impact Janie's life in Chapter Ten?

Janie feels pressured by societal norms while secretly yearning for a more passionate life.

What internal conflict does Janie face regarding her feelings for Tea Cake in Chapter Eleven?

Janie struggles between her past experiences and her growing affection for Tea Cake.

What does Phoeby tell Janie about Tea Cake in Chapter Twelve?

Phoeby warns Janie that Tea Cake may not be the right man and suggests she's repeating past mistakes.

What happens in Jacksonville in Chapter Thirteen?

Janie and Tea Cake go to Jacksonville for work after Tea Cake receives a job offer.

What reflects the contrast between life in Eatonville and Jacksonville in Chapters Fourteen and Fifteen?

Janie's clothing and engagements with social activities demonstrate the vibrancy of life in Jacksonville.

What significant encounter does Janie have in Chapter Sixteen?

Janie encounters the Turners, who represent a segment of the black community that desires a return to slave-like conditions.

What violent action does Tea Cake take in Chapter Seventeen?

Tea Cake confronts and beats up Mrs. Turner, asserting dominance after hearing negative remarks.

How does Tea Cake exhibit bravery in Chapter Eighteen?

Tea Cake saves Janie from a dog attack during a flood.

What is significant about Janie's actions during a tense situation in Chapter Nineteen?

Janie's ability to calm Tea Cake represents her growth and increasing independence.

What is the outcome of Janie's trial in Chapter Twenty?

Janie is acquitted of Tea Cake's death, which is deemed accidental, signifying her liberation.

What does the ending of the novel symbolize in relation to Janie's journey?

The ending symbolizes Janie's independence and hope for a brighter future, paralleling her earlier experiences.