Quotes
Let 'em say what den wants tuh, Phoebe. To my thinking' mourning oughtn't last longer'n grief.
Janie; she's expressing that she doesn't care what people think about her and Tea Cake; she's ready to move on with her life.
Characterize Tea Cake using Speech or Actions.
Tea Cake invites Janie to play checkers; he compliments her intelligence; he devotes himself to her. This suggests Tea Cake is a kind man, who sees himself and Janie on an equal playing field.
What/where is the "muck"?
The Everglades
What does Janie's hair symbolize?
her freedom, her identity, her independence
Provide context and explain the significance of the quote: "She sent her face to Joe's funeral, and herself went rollicking with springtime across the world."
Although Janie goes to the funeral and acts as though she's grieving, she's letting her imagination wander.
Characterize Tea Cake using LOOKS.
He's young, tall, and dark-skinned, with an athletic build. Janie finds him very attractive and he's different from both Logan and Joe in this way,
How do men act toward Janie after Joe's funeral?
Poorer men immediately try to court her and offer advice, telling her she needs a man. Richer men are more respectful, but also trying to court her, though they don't get past the front door.
Janie describes Tea Cake as being "a bee to a blossom-- a pear tree blossom in the spring." How does this relate to the pear tree at the beginning of the novel?
Tea Cake is finally fulfilling her dream of an ideal relationship. She finally feels the excitement and attraction she always wanted in a relationship.
The townspeople are jealous of Janie, for her looks, her money, and her independence. As a result, it's hard for them to like her.
Characterize Tea Cake using EFFECT ON OTHERS.
Tea Cake usually makes people around him happy, especially Janie. Thanks to him, there's laughter in their community in the Everglades. However, he can also make Janie feel insecure, when she thinks he might leave her.
How do the townspeople respond to Tea Cake and Janie's relationship? What criticisms do they have?
They are judgmental and critical; they believe Janie is lowering herself by spending time with a man who is poor. They also believe she's disrespecting Joe.
They are social spaces, places to be seen and to interact with others.
Identify the speaker, context, & significance: "Janie, Ah hope God may kill me, if Ah'm lain'. Nobody else on earth kin hold uh candle duh you, baby. You got de keys to de kingdom."
Tea Cake says this to reassure Janie of his devotion to her after they first get together. He repeats the phrase that she has the keys to the kingdom later in the novel; in others words, she's the one in control of the relationship and him.
Using ACTIONS or EFFECTS ON OTHERS, characterize Nunkie.
Nunkie tries to flirt with Tea Cake, making Janie very jealous. Her flirting with Nunkie suggests she is devious and promiscuous; her effect on Janie shows that she is seen as a threat.
Describe Tea Cake and Janie's reunion in Jacksonville.
They get married; it's joyous and passionate; they're both dressed in blue.
What does the horizon symbolize for Janie?
possibilities, opportunity, the life she could have had if Nanny hadn't made her get married
Identify the speaker, context, & significance: Ah jus' couldn't see mahself married to no black man. It's too many black folks already. We oughta lighten up the race."
Mrs. Turner says this to Janie, because she disapproves of Janie being with someone as dark skinned as Tea Cake. Mrs. Turner is deeply racist and hypocritical; she believes darker skinned people are lower class. She only embraces the white part of her identity, whereas Janie is more accepting of both her ancestries.
Characterize Mrs. Turner using LOOKS and SPEECH.
She looks like she belongs "in childbed" -- she has a prominent belly, as if she's pregnant, with lighter skin and a slightly pointed nose (white features), but overall she's considered ugly, which matches her character. She talks about black people being inferior to whites, showing her entrenched racism and hypocrisy.
Why is Janie sorry for her friends in Eatonville and scornful of the other people she has left behind?
She is sorry that they cannot have as much fun as she's having in the Everglades, laughing, playing games, and hanging out on porches. She also knows they would judge her for her overalls and the fact she works in the fields with Tea Cake.
What is symbolic about Tea Cake and Janie playing checkers?
It symbolizes the beginning of their relationship and love as a game. It's another case of a man teaching Janie to do something. However, it's an example of Janie trying new things with Tea Cake.