Their Eyes Were Watching God: DQ #1

As Hurston opens the novel, she provides the reader insight on the

differences of men & women. She also gives enough information on

the main character between chapters 1 and10 to allow us a

window to her struggle and the basis for her journey throughout the

novel. We learn Janie's upbringing, her thoughts and some of her

crsis'. It is obvious that she has been seeking something since

Hurston introduced us to her in chapter one.

In your opinion, why is it important that she finds what she is

looking for? Although tradition has shown to be an intricate part of

the Janie's life, discuss how this tradition has affected her and how

the lack of tradition, upon Jody's illness- and later death, becomes

empowering for Janie in her quest for freedom and understanding of

self. Consider the condemnation that may take place by those in

Eatonville and it's relevance to her struggle. Feel free to discuss your

personal views (supporting or negating); but you must provide

evidence to support your claim.

In compiling your response, consider what Janie thought would

make her happy versus the changes that have taken place between

chapters 9 and 10. Provide an intellectual response that can be

supported by the text. Remember all answers are to be written in

complete sentences.

NOTE: YOU MUST RESPOND TO AT LEAST TWO POSTS

ASIDE FROM YOUR INITIAL RESPONSE.

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Permalink Reply by Brittany PopYaaCollar Washington on September 3, 2010 at 9:10am

I agree with evrything you guys are saying because at 1st when she was married to Jody she had no freedom so now that she diovorced him she go to be a little free without him Teacake let her be open minded and he didnt treat her like a dog.

Permalink Reply by Coach Moore on September 4, 2010 at 6:56pm

Brittany, you said you agree because when she was married to Jody she had no freedom but how was the lack of freedom tradition for Janie? You seem to be on the right track but we need more.

Permalink Reply by justin stewart on September 2, 2010 at 12:44pm

its important that she do those things so that she can release some of the stress and weakness that she is holding on to.
another reason is that we already talked about how women can hold grudges and began to be emotionally stessed out by holding on to the feeling thats why she says that women are weak because the does these things

Permalink Reply by charity cantu on September 4, 2010 at 2:29pm

I totally agree with u on that but what is your opinion on why it is important that she finds what she is looking for?

Permalink Reply by Sha'Teria Travis on September 2, 2010 at 12:47pm

Janie is searching for freedom according to the story, I think that it is important that she finds her freedom so she can get her power back by getting back those that have downed her and treated her badly

Permalink Reply by Coach Moore on September 2, 2010 at 12:52pm

I do agree with your response, but you mentioned only parts of the question. What difference does the way the people treat her make in her journey?

Permalink Reply by Sha'Teria Travis on September 2, 2010 at 1:04pm

Well it dosent really make a difference but in her journey.

Permalink Reply by Coach Moore on September 4, 2010 at 6:59pm

This response is confusing. Please explain what you are trying to say.

Permalink Reply by alonso castaneda on September 2, 2010 at 12:51pm

Her tradition is to look for freedom because first of all she was looking for freedom in the start because her grandmother(nanny) told her to marry Logan so when she is gone she will have someone to protect her and give her freedom. Then when she got married with Logan she noticced that she was not having as much freedom as she thought she would so thats when she meet Joe and then she ran way with him because she thought she was going to have more freedom with him than with Logan but it was the same. So the tradition of Janie is to seek freedom.

Permalink Reply by Ashley Wallace on September 2, 2010 at 12:56pm

I agree with you Alonso because she tried to find freedom from the get- go.... With Nanny, Logan, and Joe

Permalink Reply by Coach Moore on September 4, 2010 at 7:07pm

Well written response provided Alonso. But why is she not free with Jody and or Logan?

Permalink Reply by cesar garza on September 2, 2010 at 12:53pm

Evedentily she is searching for some type of freedom either for herself or for women in general. It would be best for her to try and start with a clean slate and at least try to be like the men and go for her goals.