Characters
The protagonist of the novel
Janie Crawford
"You done lived wid me for twenty years and you don't half know me atall."
Janie to Joe Starks on his death bed
Symbol of power and unconventional identity. Represents a strong rebellious spirit, has the power to blur gender stereotypes, and is adored for its resemblance to a caucasian trait.
Janie's hair
The discovery of true love blossoms in this marriage, which provides feelings of receiving a second chance to feel young and truly happy.
Janie and Tea Cake
The book is primarily set in:
Rural Flordia in the early 20th Century.
Janie's third husband, who is twelve years younger than her.
Tea Cake
"Tea Cake didn't seem to be able to fend her off as promptly as Janie thought he ought to."
The narrator relays the suspicious nature of Tea Cake and Nunkie from Janie's observations.
This symbol produces a new romantic dynamic, that allows Janie to find a voice. Although this symbol could promote equality and independence, it can also be viewed as a game of cheating: especially when someone knows how to play, and the other doesn't.
Checkers
Married at 16 for protection, not love, as the months progressed the marriage cracked. Life on a farm with no love is a life unfulfilled.
Logan Killicks and Jeanie Crawford.
Where did Janie and Tea Cake live?
The Everglades
Her experience as a slave stamped her worldview with a strong concern for financial security, responsibility, and upward mobility.
Nanny Crawford
"And dats de only reason you see me back here-cause Ah ain't got nothing to make me happy no more where Ah was at."
Janie talking to Pheoby about Tea Cake
This symbol produces the realm of possibilities that Janie often dreams of. Found in nature, yet impossible to touch.
The Horizon
Two women were brought together and have an unbreakable bond, one character can share her story while the other one listens with a sympathetic ear.
Janie and Pheoby.
Where did Joe tell the driver to take him and Janie?
Green Cove Springs
Everglades residents who run a small restaurant.
Mr. and Mrs. Turner
"He walked on in with a guitar and a grin. Guitar hanging round his neck with a red silk cord and a grin hanging from his ears."
The narrator is describing when Tea Cake came home to Janie.
This symbol shows Janie's transition to womanhood, independence from oppression, and realization of what love is.
The gate
Janie views this as she wants it to be: beauty and fulfillment.
Janie and Nature.
Where does Tea Cake persuade Janie to work?
The bean fields
A wealthy widow who lived in Eatonville, with her much younger fiancé, who took her money and fled.
Annie Taylor and Who Flung
"The physical impossibilities in no way injured faith. That was the mystery and mysteries are the chores of gods."
This piece of clothing demonstrates an independent woman who is free to wear and do whatever she wants. The color represents freedom, loyalty, confidence, and stability.
The Blue Satin Dress.
Two strong independent women with opposite views of marriage.
Nanny and Janie
How does Hurston's use of setting support the novel's overall structure?
Each setting plays a key role in Janie's spiritual development.