Their Eyes Were Watching God: Crash Course Literature 301

The video explores Zora Neale Hurston's novel 'Their Eyes Were Watching God', discussing its themes of self-realization and empowerment. It delves into Hurston's biography, the novel's critical reception, and its complex themes, including race, gender, and personal empowerment. The video also examines the novel's characters, plot, and the use of vernacular speech, highlighting its significance in American literature.

What is the primary theme discussed in the introduction of 'Their Eyes Were Watching God'?

• The Harlem Renaissance

• The importance of the rabies vaccine

• The history of Eatonville

• A woman's self-realization and empowerment

Where did Zora Neale Hurston move with her family, which later became a model for a town in her novel?

• Chicago

• Eatonville, Florida

• New York City

• Baltimore

Which genre does 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' straddle according to the discussion?

• Science Fiction

• Bildungsroman and Romance

• Mystery and Thriller

• Historical Fiction

What was one of the criticisms Richard Wright had about the novel?

• It was too political

• It lacked a serious theme

• It was too short

• It was overly complex

How does Hurston's use of language in the novel contribute to its depth?

• By using only standard English

• By showcasing the gap between thought and expression

• By focusing solely on plot development

• By avoiding any vernacular speech

What is the significance of Janie's first words in the novel?

• They contrast with the narrator's voice

• They reflect her educational background

• They highlight her intellectual sophistication

• They show her connection to nature

What event leads to Janie's return to Eatonville?

• Her grandmother's death

• Her second husband's power

• Tea Cake's death

• Her first husband's wealth

How do critics interpret Janie's journey in the novel?

• As a straightforward love story

• As a political manifesto

• As a tale of complete independence

• As a complex journey of self-discovery

What does Janie's phrase 'been to the horizon and back' suggest?

• She will find another man

• She has achieved selfhood

• She is about to die

• Her journey is complete

What role does Tea Cake play in Janie's life according to the analysis?

• He is her first husband

• He is a symbol of wealth

• He represents fun and freedom

• He is a political figure