Questions About Their Eyes Were Watching God

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about Their Eyes Were Watching God, please sign up.

Answered Questions (24)

John Jones Here's where the title originates. From the book:"They sat in company with the others in other shanties, their eyes training against crude walls and t…moreHere's where the title originates. From the book:"They sat in company with the others in other shanties, their eyes training against crude walls and their souls asking if He meant to measure their puny might against His. They seemed to be staring at the dark, but their eyes were watching God." This narrative occurs while Janie and Tea cake are at Lake Okeechobee waiting for the water to come. The flood which results from the rising water sets up a dramatic ending to the entire story.(less)

flag

Can anyone recommend a book comparable to Their Eyes Were Watching God that would focus on a male character's journey during the same American historical period?

Maureen Laney Native Son by Richard Wright might be a good option. It takes place in Chicago, not the south, but is the same general time period. And a great novel …moreNative Son by Richard Wright might be a good option. It takes place in Chicago, not the south, but is the same general time period. And a great novel regardless of how close it parallels this one!(less)

flag

This question contains spoilers... (view spoiler)

Alleluialu That bothered me, too, but the doctor was with her shortly after it happened. He was bringing the medicine that Tea Cake should have received right af…moreThat bothered me, too, but the doctor was with her shortly after it happened. He was bringing the medicine that Tea Cake should have received right after the dog bit him, so in my mind he would have given it to Janie. (less)

flag

As a non native English speaker, I struggle with the dialect used in the dialogues of the book. Is there any reference I could find online to help me out? For now, I just read it out loud but still cannot understand all of it.

Elyse Welles http://mrstedorasclassroomonline.weeb... This would help a lot! Also at sparknotes.com and shmoop.com they have chapter explanations and glossaries of…morehttp://mrstedorasclassroomonline.weeb... This would help a lot! Also at sparknotes.com and shmoop.com they have chapter explanations and glossaries of words that may be unfamiliar. (less)

flag

Do other readers see parallels between this book and "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall?"

Eve Great question! I'd have to read /listen to both again to have an answer, but I love that it's been asked. I sometimes wonder about and compare books …moreGreat question! I'd have to read /listen to both again to have an answer, but I love that it's been asked. I sometimes wonder about and compare books that seem at a glance to be far removed from one another but that I see connected in some way.(less)

flag

Load 5 more questions