There Eyes Were Watching God: Summer 2013

I hope you all had the opportunity to read Their Eyes Were Watching God.  I can honestly say that when I was given this novel to read in college, I immediately wondered how I would relate to a novel about a strong black woman in the south, but as I read the text, I realized this coming of age novel or bildungsroman is applicable to all of us. I could see myself in Janie's dreams and disappointment. 
I wrote this for a class a few years ago, but I think it is still relevant to you:

For many years this book has been a favorite of mine.  Each time I read it, I find something new that I like about the book, and each time I read the book, I interpret the book a little differently. I suppose that because who I am at each moment I am reading the book is different than it was when the book was previously read.  I think about the character of Janie and who she is throughout the story.  Remember, she is telling the story to her dear friend Phoeby after it has already happened .  I think about Janie's search for self and her search for her own voice.  At the start of the novel she is under the care of her grandmother and then married off to Logan Killicks who her grandmother thinks will be a suitable match for Janie.  In order to find her voice she must go on a journey both physically and spiritually.  She travels from her grandmother’s home to the “muck” and then back to Jody’s home in Eatonville to tell her story to her friend Phoeby.  Throughout her travels, she refers to the image of the blossoming pear tree, first mentioned on page ten.  The end of Janie's journey with Tea Cake seems far removed from the image of this blossoming pear tree, but I can't help but think it really is that pear tree she has been dreaming of.  The pear tree seems to be a symbol for freedom and expression and love.  In the muck, Janie is allowed freedoms she had never previously held.

After reading the novel how do you view Janie's search for herself? Do you think that she has truly found her perfect love in the muck with Tea Cake?  What does Tea Cake allow her to do that she had previously not been able to do?  What about the relationship between Tea Cake and Janie surprised you?

 The device of a flashback is used to tell Janie’s story. Remember that she is not telling the story as it is happening, but as it has already happened.  Why might Hurston, the author, choose this type of narration to tell the story of Janie?  Does this give Janie the role of guru (someone highly regarded for his/her wisdom who serves as a guide to others) because of her journey?

What questions do you have? What observations did you make while reading the novel?

I look forward to hearing your responses - as always :)

Frankenstein Paradise Lost Question 5

The last line of 284:264, Satan resigns that it is: “Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven.”  In what ways is this statement a truth for either Victor or the Creature?

Frankenstein Paradise Lost Question 4

Satan describes this thirst for power and glory and states on 284:262-263 that he does not care where he rules, only that he rules.  In what way is this similar to Victor’s hunger for power?

Frankenstein Paradise Lost Question 3

Revenge is a common motif in Frankenstein.  Where is Paradise Lost does Satan {the Creature} describe revenge?  What is his attitude toward revenge? {How is this similar to the Creature in Frankenstein?}

Frankenstein Paradise Lost Question 2

There is a loss of hope expressed on 280:66-68.  How are these lines similar to the loss of hope Victor feels in Frankenstein?  If there is a point in the story at which Victor loses hope, where would that be and why?

Frankenstein Paradise Lost Question 1

On page 280:45-50 of the text, Milton describes the hell to which Satan is resigned.  Compare this to the hell to which the creature is resigned?  What about Victor’s hell?

Student Questions over Frankenstein

Post questions for your classmates. You must answer FOUR and can answer up to EIGHT.