Chapter 1
Where does Janie sit with Phoeby while telling her story?
Phoeby’s back porch
What natural scene inspires Janie’s understanding of love?
The pear tree
Who does Nanny arrange for Janie to marry?
Logan Killicks
How do the townspeople react when Janie returns to Eatonville?
They gossip about her and judge her appearance
What insect is important in the pear tree scene?
The bee
What kind of work does Logan Killicks do?
He is a farmer who owns land
Why does Phoeby bring Janie food at the beginning of the novel?
Because she cares about Janie and wants to support her
What realization does Janie have about marriage after the pear tree experience?
She believes marriage should be passionate and natural like the pear tree and bees
Why does Nanny want Janie to marry Logan Killicks?
She believes he will provide security and protection
What is the role of gossip among the townspeople on the porch?
It shows the importance of gossip and judgment in the community
How does Janie realize she is Black as a child?
She sees herself in a photograph with white children
What happens to Nanny near the end of Chapter 3?
She dies
What literary technique does Hurston use when Janie begins telling her story to Phoeby?
Frame narrative / flashback storytelling
Why is the pear tree scene such an important symbol in the novel?
It symbolizes Janie’s ideal vision of love and sexual awakening.
Why does Janie feel disappointed after marrying Logan?
Logan treats marriage as practical labor rather than love