Historic Context
How many Black towns were developed in Oklahoma between 1865-1920
From 1865 to 1920 African Americans created more than fifty (50) identifiable towns and settlements, some of the short duration and some still existing at the beginning of the twenty-first century.
Who is the protagonist?
Janie
Sam Watson observes Starks is "de wind" and who is "de grass"?
Starks is "de wind" and the townspeople are "de grass" to explain how much power he exerts on their lives. Starks's ambition is admirable, and he is relentless in pursuing his dreams of success
When was TEWWG written?
1937
What does a Black town symbolize?
Independent and Race.
Was Black Wall Street a street with Black buildings? Yes or No
Was it called Black Wall Street?
No. It was one of the wealthiest streets in the countries, completely Black business, banks, college, professional medical offices, and churches.
Who is Nanny? And where does she work?
Janie's grandmther, and she works for a white family caring for their grandchildren.
Janie's first dream was dead, so she became a woman. Chapter 3
Married at 16, Janie begins to learn about love and desire. She realizes getting married to Logan Killicks did not make her fall in love with him. This quotation implies that being disappointed in love is a normal part of becoming a mature woman.
How does the Street Lamp play a role?
The start of a town and Stakes ambition to develop.
What does the gate Symbolize?
The gate is a symbol of safety and limitations. It protects Janie from the outside world. Conversely, the gate is also a symbol of freedom and new opportunities. Janie and Johnny Taylor kiss at the gate of Nanny's house. When Janie leaves Logan Killicksin Chapter 4, she goes through the front gate to begin her new life with Joe Starks. the horizon and the gate are connected to this belief.
What territory was the development of Black towns?
And Who was it with?
All-Black towns grew in Indian Territory after the Civil War when the former slaves of the Five Tribes settled together for mutual protection and economic security.
Who is Janie husband and describe him?
Logan Killicks is willing to share his 60 acres of land and his house with Janie as long as she will help him on the farm. He is patient with Janie at first but often compares her unfavorably to his first wife. Janie feels resentful and bored in her loveless marriage and leaves Killicks for Joe Starks.
"A bee for her bloom.
She believes that her second marriage to Joe Starks will fulfill her emotional needs, Chp 5
What is Eatonville?
All Black town.
What does the Pear Tree symbolize?
The blossoming pear tree is a symbol of change and growth. In Chapter 2 when Janie begins her narration, the narrator comments that she saw her life "like a great tree," with some leaves representing suffering and others joy. The pear tree also represents Janie's becoming of age and femininity. In Chapter 2, 16-year-old Janie watches the bees gathering pollen and acknowledges her own "glossy leaves and bursting buds." She struggles to find the kind of perfect, blissful union she observes in nature and reflects soon after meeting Tea Cake that he could be "a bee to a blossom," recalling the symbol of the tree through its association with bees and pollination.
Who was the journalist that wrote about Balck Wall Street?
Booker T Washington
Who is Joe Stakes? What did he become in Eatonville?
After opening a successful grocery store in Eatonville, Florida, Joe "Jody" Starks becomes its mayor, postmaster, and most important landlord.
What is the image depicts Janie's growing awareness of intimate desire and her desire for love?
The bloom of the Pear Tree.
"flower dust and springtime sprinkled over everything."
Janie's youth dreams and optimism, of love and romanticism.
What is the Symbolism of the Head Rag?
Control and suppression of Janie and your beauty.
What was the reason for African Americans in Oklahoma and Indian Territories would create their own communities?
Escape from discrimination and abuse would be a driving factor. All-Black settlements offered the advantage of being able to depend on neighbors for financial assistance and of having open markets for crops. African Americans turned to "ideologies of economic advancement, self-help, and racial solidarity."
Who is Janie Mae Crawford's mother? What happened to her?
Janie Mae Crawford's mother, Leafy, was raped by a white schoolteacher. Janie did not know her parents but was raised by her grandmother. Through the course of the novel, Janie experiences the joys and sorrows of love and marriage while striving toward independence and a sense of her own identity.
What does the "Ships at a distance have every man's wish on board."?
Narrator, Chapter 1
In the novel's opening sentence, the narrator introduces Janie's motivation—to pursue her dreams and to reach them. As the novel unfolds, it is clear that Janie's quest to find out who she is will be difficult and full of obstacles.
In Chapter 4, What did Joe Starks talk about?
"spoke for change and chance."
The Mule
The mule symbolizes mistreatment and cruelty, especially of women. In Nanny's eyes, the mule represents the literal and metaphorical enslavement of African American women.