Chapters 11 & 12 Their Eyes Were Watching God

Chapter 11:

1. Why would the others like to see Janie play checkers? What does this imply about her status?
2. Should Janie be more cautious about Tea Cake? Why?
3. What does Hezekiel mean when he says “…nobody wouldn’t marry Tea Cake tuh starve tuh death lessn it’s somebody jes lak him- ain’t used to nothing’”
4. Why would Janie look strangely at Tea Cake when he laid on the compliments? What does this say about her character?
5. Is there a limit to an age difference between men & women?
6. Is it important who’s older: the man or the women?
7. Read passage on 106: Is Tea Cake right for Janie?
8. How do we try to talk ourselves out of love? What kinds of things do we do or say to push away the attentions of others?
9. Why is love so scary?
10. What’s different about Tea Cake’s “daytime thoughts”?
11. Is the “fiend from hell (doubt)” a mode of self protection?
12. How do we know when love is real and not just a fleeting thing?



Bojan's Chapter 11:

CHAPTER 12
SUMMARY: At this point the wealthy Janie and the penniless Tea Cake are doing everything together. Janie’s friend Pheoby Watson talks to her about the towns concern. Janie is well aware that every suitor after her is after her dead husband’s property. Janie informs Pheoby that she and Tea Cake are already getting married. Janie is taking Tea Cake out to plan on moving somewhere and start all over.

Literal #1: How long was Janie’s husband died, before she started seeing Tea Cake?

Literal #2: Do you think Tea Cake is after Janie for her wealth?

Literal #3: Do you think Janie should marry Tea Cake?

Interpretive #1: On page 113 Janie says “still and all ah’d ruther be wid Tea Cake” Is Tea Cake the one for Janie?

Interpretive #2: How does the town feel on Janie’s dissension to marry Tea Cake and move out of town?

Interpretive #3: Is it right that the whole town is trying to convince Janie not to go after Tea Cake and move away?

Universal #1: what does this chapter focus on the most?