Character Textual Details
What does Jody’s refusal to let Janie see him while he is sick reveal about his perspective on power and vulnerability?
Even while he is sick he is still trying to control of Janie. He also doesn't want her to see him while he is weak.
How does Janie’s reaction to Jody’s illness show a shift from earlier chapters?
She is starting to realize that Jody is a human being just like her. She is realizing that he isn't some all powerful master or a God.
How does the atmosphere in the store change once Jody becomes visibly ill, and what does this say about the town?
People start to try and become closer to Joe and distance themselves further from Janie. People start to show their "worship" of Jody and their dedication to him.
Why is the moment when Janie finally speaks her truth to Jody such a significant turning point?
She is dramatically changing. She is done letting Jody control her. She isn't going to let Jody die without hearing what she has to say. Pg 87, Pg 85
What internal conflict does Janie experience as Joe becomes sicker?
How does Janie’s quiet observation of Jody’s failing body reveal her deeper understanding of their marriage?
I think this shows that even if she tried to say something Jody wouldn't listen. Pg. 81
How does Joe’s stubbornness in this chapter show that he hasn’t changed, even when facing death?
He still refuses to hear out Janie. He tries to put the blame on her and doesn't want to listen to what she has to say.
Discuss how the setting of Jody and Janie’s house plays an emotional role in this chapter.
The house becomes a symbol to represent the emotional barriers between Jody and Janie. They sleep in different rooms and later Joe won't even allow Janie into his room.
How does the doctor’s visit function as an important event in revealing Joe’s condition and pride?
It shows that Joe doesn't want Janie to hold any power. He knows that the "two-headed man" is a sham but insists on him anyway because it hurts Janie. Pg 83, Pg 84.
How does the conflict between Janie and Joe over honesty reach its peak in this chapter?
The conflict reached its peak when Janie finally got off her chest what she's been wanting to say for a long time. It also shows that honesty has always been a struggle in their relationship because of Joe.
Look at the dialogue on page 85 starting at, "Jody, maybe Ah ain't been..." Who do you side with? Do you feel bad for Joe?
I think it's interesting to see Joe's perspective in this part. I still think that he is in the wrong and for me I think it shows a bit of narcissism and trying to gas light her.
Look at the quote on page 84, starting with, "Something stood like an..." Why do you think Janie stops thinking of him as Jody and now views him as Joe?
I think it shows that Janie no longer views him as he once was. She is now seeing Joe for who he truly is. She is accepting that Jody has been gone for a long time and Joe took his place.
Turn to page 84. How does this description of the townspeople and Death mirror the vulture scene from the previous chapters? Is it the same?
The people are being described like the vultures but this time, Death is who they are waiting for to arrive. In the other chapter, we connected that Joe was the leader of the vultures, suppressing Janie so I think it is different.
Discuss the significance of Jody banishing Janie from his room. What does this action symbolize?
It shows that Jody is still trying to maintain control. It also shows Janie and Jody's emotional disconnect and how Jody refuses to face it.
Discuss how Joe’s conflict with aging fuels his mistreatment of Janie.
In the previous chapter we see Joe hit Janie after she puts him in his place about aging. The chapter starts off with how things followed and we see that this conflict set off what happens in the entirety of the chapter. Pg 81
How does Janie’s decision to finally speak honestly during their confrontation show her changing perspective on herself?
I think she's realizing that she's been letting Jody control her and her life and she's beginning to feel empowered enough to speak up. Love quote on pg 86, "Mah own mind..."
How does Joe’s inability to accept Janie’s growth reflect his unchanged worldview?
He still believes that he can silence her and block out her voice. He still believes in his traditional worldview up until the very end.
How does the author use the closed-off, private space of Jody’s sickroom to create tension?
Again, it's acting as a barricade between Janie and Joe. Joe won't speak to her and usually has someone who will be the middle man for the two of them. Also, not knowing what is going on behind the door creates suspense for the reader.
Explain why Jody’s death is not just a major plot event but also a moment of emotional release for Janie.
Janie was finally able to speak up to Jody and he couldn't do anything to stop her. She is able to have a weight lifted from her shoulders, or rather a weight added to her shoulders from something she wasn't able to let down for a long time; her hair.
Explain how Janie’s conflict between duty and truth shapes her behavior in the bedroom confrontation.
At first, Janie takes a long time to finally say something to Joe. She starts off not too angrily because she has been taught her place by Joe. As the confession continues she has a shift within her that shows she cares more about telling Joe the truth then doing what he wants her too.
How do Janie’s unspoken thoughts during Joe’s decline reveal the complexity of her feelings toward him? Try and use specific instances from the text that show this.
Pg 82: Nurture and Caring
Pg 83: Hurt
Pg 85: Pride for Jody
Pg 86-87:Resentment
Pg 87: Relief and Freedom
Explain how Janie’s sense of freedom after Joe’s death marks a major turning point in her development.
She is finally able to let her hair down and be who she truly is, not who Joe wanted her to be. She will be able to speak without being drowned out by Joe's voice.
How does the house feel different to Janie after Jody dies, and what does this change in the setting show about how she feels inside?
Jody isn't there anymore so the house feels quieter but because of that she is free to speak her mind. The quiet of the house is a result of Joe's "big voice" no longer speaking.
How does the ritual of Janie removing her head-rag serve as a symbolic event within the chapter?
The head rag was a symbol of Joe's control over her so when she removes it, she removes Joe's control. She is also reclaiming her identity as the person she once was. Pg 87
How does Joe’s conflict with his own pride ultimately determine the outcome of this chapter?
Joe’s pride keeps him from admitting he is sick or letting Janie help him. He refuses to face the truth or show weakness. Because he holds onto his pride until the very end, he dies without resolving their conflict, and this leaves Janie finally free to move forward without him.