1. Notes - In Chapter 3, our protagonist, Janie, wanders back and forth to the pear tree, “wondering
and thinking” as she tries to adjust to her arranged marriage. She struggles with words,
inheriting a “deepness” from her Nanny. Although Janie fails to find any “bloom” in this
marriage, she discovers that “she knew things that nobody had ever told her. For instance,
the words of the trees and the wind.” Like her Nanny, Janie’s “basin of mind” finds words
in the sights and sounds of nature.
Journal Assignment
A) Review the first four chapters, documenting (make a list!) moments when Janie finds meaning in nature.
B) What other natural phenomena guide Janie on her journey? (Be thorough! There are four chapters and a couple of things just won't do).
C) Compose a complete analytical paragraph about the way the sun reflects Janie’s emotional state.
2.Notes - The central character in a work of literature is called the protagonist.
The protagonist usually initiates the main action of the story and often
overcomes a flaw, such as weakness or ignorance, to achieve a new
understanding by the work’s end. A protagonist who acts with great
honor or courage may be called a hero. An antihero is a protagonist
lacking these qualities. Instead of being dignified, brave, idealistic, or
purposeful, the antihero may be cowardly, self-interested, or weak. The
protagonist’s journey is enriched by encounters with characters who hold
differing beliefs. One such character type, a foil, has traits that contrast
with the protagonist’s and highlight important features of the main
character’s personality. The most important foil, the antagonist, opposes
the protagonist, barring or complicating his or her success.
Journal Assignment
A.
How do Logan and Joe reveal different sides of Janie?
B. What are their motivations?
C.To what extent does Janie acquire her own voice and the ability to shape her own life?
D.How are the two attributes related?
Reading Chapter 4 - 6
pay attention to the street lamp in Chapter 5. How
does the text suggest that this is more than an ordinary street lamp? How might such
references to light be symbolic?
