Their Eyes Were Watching God Ch 9 - 12

CHAPTER 9

1. The figure of speech, “Janie starched and ironed her face” is used on both page 87 and 88. Explain the connotative meanings of this phrase. A few lines later, Hurston writes, “She sent her face to Joe’s funeral, and herself went rollicking with the springtime across the world.” Explain how this observation helps explain why Janie needs to “starch and iron” her face.

2. Describe the realization that Janie has about her mother and grandmother. How are Janie’s values different from Nanny’s? 

3. TRIPLE PLAY!!!On page 90, Hurston offers a variation on a creation myth. Compare this story to the story of Adam and Eve and describe their similarities and differences.

CHAPTER 10

1. Find all of the words that are used to physically describe Tea Cake. Compare these to a photo of the actor Michael Ealy, who played Tea Cake in the film adaptation of the novel. Explain why Ealy does or does not match Hurston’s description of Tea Cake.

2. Explain why it is symbolically significant that Tea Cake invites Janie to play checkers and teaches her the how to play the game. How does this make him a foil for Joe Starks?

CHAPTER 11

1. Why is it significant that Janie invites Tea Cake to sit with her on the front porch? What does he do with her on their first night time “date”?

2. Consider Janie’s description on page 106 of Tea Cake as being a “bee to a blossom – a pear tree blossom in spring.” How does this idea fit with Janie’s dream at the beginning of the novel?

3. After Tea Cake leaves, why does Janie begin to doubt him? How does he reassure her?

CHAPTER 12

1. Once the town “begins to notice things” about Janie and Tea Cake, how do they respond? What specific criticisms do they have? Which of their criticisms are particularly hypocritical? 

2. Why does Pheoby come to visit Janie? List the concerns that she has about Tea Cake and explain how Janie counters each of her friend’s arguments.

3. What has Janie decided to do about her relationship with Tea Cake? Do you think she’s making the right decision? Explain your answer.