POWERFUL SYMBOLS in
THEIR EYES WERE WATCHING GOD
Many of the important themes and ideas in this novel are represented by symbols. For each of the symbols in the list below, identify what each symbol represents and where the symbol appears in the novel. The chart also asks you to identify which characters are impacted or affected by the symbol, and how they are affected.
Use this chart throughout the time you are reading the novel.
After you work through the symbols listed on the chart, use the extra spaces to fill in information about any other symbols you identify in the book.
What is the symbol? / What does the symbol represent? / Where does the symbol appear? (give page number and a brief description of the context or the situation) / What is significant about this symbol? / Which characters are impacted or affected by this symbol? How?The horizon
The porch
Janie’s hair
The mule/the yellow mule
The gate
The pear tree