In the opening two paragraphs, a poetic image establishes a contrast between the way men and women dream and remember. What do the ship and the horizon represent? The Watcher? How does the dreaming and remembering differ for women?
Begin reading Their Eyes Were Watching God, and answer the following questions based on chapter 1-12
Chapter 1 Questions
1. In the opening two paragraphs, a poetic image establishes a contrast between the way men and women dream and remember. What do the ship and the horizon represent? The Watcher? How does the dreaming and remembering differ for women?
2. In the fourth paragraph, the sun has “left his footprints in the sky.” What image
is created through this personification? What attitude toward nature is expressed in it?
3. The central figure in the story is a woman who has just buried her “sudden dead.” The
townspeople are aware of her return and are awaiting to hear her story. Words and storytelling are important in their lives. How do they use words in positive and negative
ways? What does it mean to be “a delegate to de big ‘ssociation of life.” List the
characters and their relationship to Janie.
4. What does Janie mean when she says, “So ‘tain’t no use in me telling you somethin’ unless Ah give you de understandin’ to go ‘long wid it.” What poetic image
suggests the long amount of time necessary for Janie to tell her whole story?
Chapter 2
1. Look at the metaphor that opens chapter 2. Discuss what it means.
2. Who is Nanny? What were the advantages and disadvantages for her and Janie in
living with the Washburns?
3. How did Janie’s “conscious life” commence? Discuss the meanings suggested by
the pear tree and other poetic images used to describe this experience.
4. What decision does Nanny make when she sees Janie kissing Johnny Taylor? How does Janie react? What different needs of the two women are in conflict?
5. Describe Nanny’s dream for her youth and her hopes for her daughter and
granddaughter. Review the story of Nanny’s hardships and suffering. What image does
Nanny use at the close of the chapter in her appeal to Janie to be sensitive to her vulnerability. Why is it an especially appropriate image for Nanny, as a caretaker for others?