English III Their Eyes Were Watching God

English III—Their Eyes Were Watching God

Fish Bowl Discussion

You are responsible for discussing the 3 questions assigned to your group. You should type your responses (at least ½ page per question) in advance. During the discussion, you need to refer to specific page numbers when mentioning passages and scenes from the novel. Remember to leave space between your responses to take notes during the discussion. Be ready to discuss on this Wednesday (March 16). **If you were absent for the Willa Cather Fish Bowl, you will receive double points for your participation in Wednesday’s discussion.

Group A (Yellow)

1. Over the course of the novel, Janie “comes of age” and learns many important life lessons. Discuss TWO specific lessons Janie learns about herself and her society before Joe’s death and how she learns them. How do these lessons affect Janie’s personality and/or her actions? You should refer to specific passages (with page numbers) from the book.

2. Power and control play important roles throughout the novel. Many people are affected by power and/or control (or lack of it) and it changes who they are as a person. Choose one person in the novel who is affected by power and/or control and discuss TWO specific examples of how it affects and/or changes them. You should refer to specific passages (with page numbers) from the book.

3. Hurston uses symbolism throughout her novel to represent larger themes and ideas. Explain the idea of The Horizon and what it symbolizes for Janie. How does the dream motif support this idea throughout the novel? Select 2-3 specific examples (with page numbers) from the text to support your answer.

Group B (Blue)

1. Over the course of the novel, Janie “comes of age” and learns many important life lessons. Discuss TWO specific lessons Janie learns about herself and her society after Joe’s death and how she learns them. How do these lessons affect Janie’s personality and/or her actions? You should refer to specific passages (with page numbers) from the book.

2. Power and control play important roles throughout the novel. Not only can power change a person, but it can also affect their relationships with others. Choose a relationship between two people and discuss how power and control affect and/or change it. Refer to TWO specific events or passages that indicate the effect power and/or control have on the relationship.

3. Hurston uses symbolism throughout her novel to represent larger themes and ideas. Explain the idea of The Pear Tree and what it symbolizes for Janie. How does the plant/nature motif support this idea throughout the novel? Select 2-3 specific examples from the text to support your answer.