their eyes were watching god

what does hurston describe as "the life of men"

men’s routines, struggles, and roles in society, focusing on how men often work hard, face challenges, and seek purpose, but are limited by social expectations and their own desires.

why do the poarch sitters gossip on the evinings

(they have nothing better to do)

passing time, staying connected to the community, and sharing news and opinions about people in town.

what peace of clothing does janie wear that the community shames her for

overalls, which they see as inappropriate or unfeminine for a woman.

whos janies kissing friend

pheobe

how does janie descover shes black 

she sees a childhood photo and realizes she looks different from the white children she grew up with.

what does the gate symbolize 

transition and new beginnings—a point where Janie stands on the edge of change, ready to step into a new stage of her life.

what does the road/horizon symbolize

Janie’s dreams, freedom, and the limitless possibilities of her life’s journey.

what does janies hair symbolize

her natural identity and personal freedom.

what character embraces janies hair

Joe hides it, but tea cake appreciates and celebrates her hair as a symbol of her true self.

what kind of tree does janie first experence her sexual awakening

a pear tree 

what event ended janies child hood

when shes kisses johnny taylor and marrys logan killacks

why did nanny never want to get married

because of her traumatic experiences with sexual violence and the deeply ingrained belief that Black women were the "mule of the world".

when janie first meets joe starks what does she do to get his attention

she purposely lets her hair down while

what does joe provide for the town of eatonvill

a store, a post office, a street lamp, and the town's first street name and a town hall.

What is Matt Bonner’s mule a metaphor of?

the burdens and oppression carried by Black women, symbolizing how they are overworked, undervalued, and treated like property.

 “something fell off the shelf inside her. Then she went inside there to see what it was” (Hurston 72).Explain the context of this event. What fell of the shelf inside her?

It was her image of Jody it tumbled down and shattered

Describe the meaning of the quote: “...But mostly she lived between her hat and her heels, with her emotional disturbances like shade patterns in the woods - come and gone with the sun” (Hurston 76).

Janie focuses on outward appearances while her true emotions come and go fleetingly, never fully expressed.

When doe and Janie play the dozens who loses what is said that makes them lose

Joe loses because Janie says joe is not good in bed or he can’t get it up in bed

Which literary device does this quote "the thing that Saul's daughter had done to David" exemplify?

It exemplifies Janies discontentment with Jody Through physical and emotiondl abuse.

What does Jody die of?

kidney failure after years of physical decline and the stress of trying to control Janie and maintain his image.

What does Janie do after Jody dies? What is his funeral like?

She burns her head rags that joe made her wear and she acts sad at the funeral when she’s not his funeral is a big deal in the town and everyone is sad

What is Tea Cake’s favorite color?

blue

Describe how Phoeby feels about Janie being with Tea Cake. What advice does Phoeby give Janie before Janie runs off with Tea Cake?

Phoeby is worried and skeptical, thinking Tea Cake might not be trustworthy.

Create a list of things that Tea Cake teaches Janie:

• play checkers and gamble

• How to fish and farm

• and how to shoot

• and how to love life.

Tea cake repeatedly tells Janie she’s got de keys tuh de kingdom what does that mean

she has the keys to his heart

Who is Mrs. Turner? Describe why she likes Janie and why she dislikes Tea Cake.

She is a light skined colorist and she likes janie because of her light skin and she dislikes teacake becfause of his dark skin 

Explain the events that lead up to Tea Cake’s death. Why was his death especially painful for Janie?

• During a hurricane, Tea Cake is bitten by a rabid dog while protecting Janie. The rabies infection causes him to become violent.

• Janie is forced to shoot him to save herself, making his death emotionally devastating because she loses the love of her life while also being the one to end his life.

Explain why Janie is on trial after Tea Cake’s death. Be sure to note who supports her and who does not during this time.

• Janie is on trial for murder, since she shot Tea Cake.

• Phoeby and her friends support her, the whites support her but the blacks don’t

Describe Tea Cake’s funeral.

• Tea Cake’s funeral is simple and sorrowful, reflecting both the love Janie has for him and the modest life he led; Janie is the center of grief, deeply mourning but also finding closure.

When Janie leaves the muck, what one item does she take with her?

• Seeds that tea cake was going to plant

Why did Hurston use dialect in her novel? What was she trying to convey by using dialect?

• Hurston used dialect to authentically capture the speech patterns, culture, and identity of Black communities in the South, giving characters voice, personality, and realism while highlighting their cultural richness.

What aspects of Hurston's personal life are reflected in the novel?

• Hurston’s experiences growing up in the Black communities of the South, her love of folklore and storytelling, and her interest in exploring the lives and independence of Black women are reflected in Janie’s journey and the novel’s themes.