Their Eyes Were Watching God DQ #2

Throughout the first half of this novel, we learned of the beginning stages of Janie's journey through self discovery, freedom and self actualization. We have had the opportunity to follow her through some of the toughest times in her life, up to the point of chapters eleven through twenty. As she began her transformation into womanhood Janie internally fought through the oppression of a string of relationships that all played keys roles in the expansion the plot. Janie endured not only a learning process, as her life unfolded, but also a major growth period. Explain this growth.

Considering our background knowledge at this point in the novel, discuss the changes that occured in Janie's life throughout the second half (chapters 11-20) of the story and their relevance. Discuss how and why Janie changed holistically (including personality, beliefs and even actions) as well as how she ended up full circle, back to the same restraints in happiness that were present throughout the beginning of the novel.

In compiling your response, consider what Janie thought would be her window to happiness versus the way her life has turned out as well as her experienecs with happiness. Provide an intellectual response that can be supported by the text. Feel free to utilize quotes and remember that all answers are to be posted in complete sentences.

Note:

After the initial response, you must post at least two responses to an answer or answers that are not your own.

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Permalink Reply by Sha'Teria Travis on September 9, 2010 at 2:56pm

As she got with different men she had saw diferent oppourtunities for many different things, she sterted to find her freedom and beauty which she was being traped from form previous relationships. She gets away; freedom, she gets to live out her youth, and many other things. She started to feel more opened up because of what teacake was giving her (freedom), she was no longer trapped now because she could get away. Im thinking she thought wealth would be for her window to happiness, because thats what she saw.

Permalink Reply by shacoria staton on September 9, 2010 at 3:10pm

As she gained freedom she could now express herself and do what she wants to do. She's not bein treated like a child anymore (being told what she can and cant do). She is free to do what ever she want to do now.

Permalink Reply by Stephanie Moore on September 9, 2010 at 6:06pm

I agree to what you are saying, she is free to do what she wants, but confussion causes her to be trapped behind the door that would leed her to that certain freedom. She want freedom, but she wants to be loved also, and that's the reason (other than her husband dieing) she ran off with Tea Cake, because he can provide her with both of these things.

Permalink Reply by Brittany PopYaaCollar Washington on September 10, 2010 at 9:02am

i also agree with you because yes she got in the freedom she wanted but was she happy!

Permalink Reply by Stephanie Moore on September 14, 2010 at 5:48pm

She was happier in this relationship with Tea Cake than she was in her last two marriages.

Permalink Reply by yessenia guzman on September 10, 2010 at 5:01pm

I also agree with this statement because she wants to be a free person but there are certain obsticles that hold her back .Janie has never known what love is like and she wants someone that can provide her with both her freedom and the love of her life.")....

Permalink Reply by Coach Moore on September 12, 2010 at 1:28pm

Ironically, I was going to ask a question much like Brittany's. Even though she was with Teacake and she appreared to be happy and in love, was she truly in love with Teacake? Did she have any of the same problems from her previous relationships while she was with Teacake? Explain your response.

Permalink Reply by Alyssia Yarbrough on September 12, 2010 at 5:12pm

i also agree but i think even tho her being free she still confuse on certain things in her life. Janie also started speaking her mind and let what people was saying get to her.

Permalink Reply by Stephanie Moore on September 14, 2010 at 5:43pm

Speaking her mind lets us know she has grown from that quiet child to an outspoken, mature adult. She was basically getting tired of being bossed around, and wanted her voice to be heard. She was tired of being in the background with no recongnition, and always getting talked down on. She felt enough was enough, and it was time to do something different.

Permalink Reply by Coach Moore on September 9, 2010 at 8:36pm

Your answer is good. I do have a question though. You speak of freedom, but is the acquistion of freedom the only thing that changes about Janie as she embarks on her newfound freedom while she is experience the differences in Teacake? Please explain your answer.

Permalink Reply by shacoria staton on September 9, 2010 at 3:12pm

Permalink Reply by Coach Moore on September 9, 2010 at 8:37pm

This answer is repetitive and has no substance. Please provide an explanation an maybe even some evidence to support that will set your answer apart.