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 Stephanie Moore on September 9, 2010 at 5:55pm

Janie grew a little with each man she came into contact with. She started acting how she felt she should, instead of the way people thought she should. Janie was looking for freedom everywhere else, instead of looking inside of herself. She was searching too hard for something she could choose to have or not to have. If you ask me, she was looking for love, and just found her freedom along the way. By her running away, she thought she was getting closer, which she was. She was forced to grow up, and take the role of an adult at an early age, which she tried so hard to do for her grandma's sake. As she got older, she started trying to relive her childhood, and that's why she started going out with Tea Cake (her window to happiness). He fulfilled that desire for her, and that's why she fell in love with him, and delt with every flaw that came with him.

Permalink Reply by yessenia guzman on September 10, 2010 at 5:15pm

Janie didnt want to be treated like any other person she wanted someone that can support her and give her the love she has always been wanting and waiting for someone that would make her feel confident about herself and that loves her for who she actually is and someone who doesnt make her feel as if she was still a bairn and someone who dosent command her to things she wants to set FREE inside and out.

Permalink Reply by Dyneshia Malone on September 11, 2010 at 2:14pm

I agree with what Stephanie of you are saying, because life is just simply learning from your mistakes and Janie shows us this throughout the story. She just had it a little rougher than we do now. I also get what Yessenia is saying, because the one thing everyone has in common is that they want to be loved by someone. Whether the person is young, old, dead, or alive he or she wants to be loved.

Permalink Reply by Coach Moore on September 12, 2010 at 1:30pm

Great points made Dyneisha. What makes you say that she has it rougher than you do today?

Permalink Reply by Gary'sha Brown on September 13, 2010 at 2:13pm

Great points.Both point you just made are correct because she did grow,her life was harder to start with. Most days kids have there mother or father sometimes both in their life.

Permalink Reply by Lisbet Correa on September 9, 2010 at 6:58pm

After being told what to do she finally reaches her goal in being free.She is not being treated like a child anymore(being told what to do and what not to do).

Permalink Reply by Ashley Wallace on September 12, 2010 at 4:33pm

I agree with you Lisbet. When she got with TeaCake, she was finally free.........

Permalink Reply by cesar garza on September 9, 2010 at 7:32pm

Janie has been through many relationships (Logan,Jody,Teacake),and through out her first two relationships with Logan and Jody she felt restraint.That restraint was the demanding-ness of Logan,to the jealousy of Jody.Logan was an eldery man,and he couldn't do as much stuff as any other man could,he treated her with respect but as the story being in a patriarchal time Logan took advantage,so basically he made her into a servant and he also abused her.Soon after Janie ran way and Logan passed.Janie sooner or later ended up Eatonville where Jody comes to play.Jody was the mayor of Eatonville and he was also wealthy,so Janie saw a quick sign oif prosperity.Now Jody bieng a "casual" guy needed him an equal looking partner and ends up marrying Janie,not because of her personality but her looks.Jody being a jealous person did many things to keep her away from other males for example he maid her tie her hair back (which resembles her freedom) and also made her be concealed in a store.Jody was super jealous of a guy named Hezekiah.Eventually she left Jody for a new man,the youngster,Teacake.Teacake was very different from Logan and Jody.Teacake was a "youth in revolt" he was a gambler(a risk taker).Teacake alone meant a sign of relief for Janie that was as Teacake being young,Janie can now take part of the youth she had left behind.Janie has found her form of freedom which is called for her Vergebel "Teacakes" Woods.

Permalink Reply by Brittany PopYaaCollar Washington on September 10, 2010 at 8:59am

i agree with you alot but you left out the part about nanny wanting janie to marry logan because she getting to old to take care of her.

Permalink Reply by Ashley Wallace on September 12, 2010 at 4:37pm

I agree with both Cesar and Brittany. TeaCake opened the door of relief and freedom in front of her eyes and Nanny said that since Janie could kiss, she should marry, and by her being old, she sought it only fair to marry her to a wealthy man, so she would be taken care of long after she passed......

Permalink Reply by Zachary 'Swagg' Thomas on September 9, 2010 at 10:35pm

In this part of the story she is not being treated like a child anymore. Now she was searching too hard for something she could choose to have or not to have. If you ask me, she was looking for love, and just found her freedom along the way.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 yessenia guzman on September 10, 2010 at 4:53pm

Janie has faced lots of obsticles and she has gone threw some tough times that has actually helped her out by becoming a more mature person and has helped her realize who she really is and what exacly does she want.Her past experinces with the several guys has made her view her life from a diffrent perspective.Janie also wants to be loved and set free.