Quotes & Critical Lenses
Everybody “bowed down to him rather, because he was all of these things, and then again he was all of these things because the town bowed down to him” (Hurston 50).
What is Marxism?
This character raised Janie and wanted her to settle down with a wealthy husband, resulting in Janie eventually marrying Logan.
Who is Nanny?
Town that Joe Starks made prominent as a leader. Janie returns here at the beginning and end of the novel.
What is Eatonville?
This natural disaster ravages Florida and kills many, Janie and Tea Cake are forced to flee when it hits.
What is the Hurricane?
“Her old thoughts were going to come in handy now, but new words would have to be made and said to fit them” (32).
What is Psychoanalysis?
“The bed was no longer a daisy-field for her and Joe to play in. It was a place where she went and laid down when she was sleepy and tired” (Hurston 71). “[Joe] slapped her face in the kitchen. It happened over one of those dinners that chasten women sometimes”
What is Feminism?
One of Janie's lovers, a well-dressed man who embodies capitalism and the pursuit of wealth.
Who is Joe Starks?
Place where Janie and Tea Cake found work and moved to after their marriage.
What is The Muck?
This feature on Janie, when let down, represents freedom and individuality and embodies Janie's true personality.
What is Hair?
“[Mrs. Turner would] spend hours chatting away. Her disfavorite subject was Negroes” (Hurston 140). “If it wuzn’t for so many black folks it wouldn’t be no race problem. De white folks would take us in wid dem” (Hurston 141).
What is Post-Colonialism?
“[Janie] noticed how often men who had never been intimates of Joe, drove considerable distances to ask after her welfare and offer their services as advisor. ‘Uh woman by herself is uh pitiful thing. Dey needs aid and assistance. God never meant ‘em tuh try tuh stand by theirselves’” (Hurston 90).
What is Feminism?
A black woman who is extremely colorist and blames black people for their position in society. An internalized racist.
Who is Mrs. Turner?
The state the novel was set in.
What is Florida?
An animal that represents hate and cruelty and ruins Janie's final relationship with Tea Cake.
What is a Dog?
“‘Mis’ Washburn uster dress me up in all de clothes her gran’chillun didn’t need no mo which still wuz better’n what de rest uh de colored chillun had’”
What is Structuralism?
“Being able to whip her reassured him in possession… He just slapped her around a bit to show he was boss” (147).
What is Psychoanalysis?
The final of Janie's lovers, a man who is eventually bit by a rabid dog leading to his death.
Who is Tea Cake?
Janie is forced to work here when in a relationship with Joe Starks. Joe keeps Janie here often, even when she wants to go out.
What is the Crossroads Store?
A symbol that represents opportunity and the pursuit of happiness and individuality.
What is The Horizon?
“[They] treated us like slaves on the ship”
What is Post-Colonialism?
“He meant to buy in big. It had always been his wish and desire to be a big voice and he had to live nearly thirty years to find a chance” (28).
What is Marxism?
Boy hired by Joe Starks to work in Eatonville store alongside Janie
Who is Hezekiah?
A place with acres of land where one of Janie's lovers forces her to work
What is Logan's house?
Janie first thinks about this symbol when she meets Joe Starks. The symbol represents sexual desire, as well as Janie's freedom and true personality.
What is the Pear Tree?
“‘What that ole forty year old man doin’ wid her hair swingin’ down her back lak some young gal?’” (2).
What is Structuralism?