1.      Why does Jody focus so negatively on Janie’s physical appearance so much in Chapter 7? What does this focus reveal about his character?

2.      At the end of Ch. 7, Jody strikes Janie for her public insult of him. What do you think is the significance of his use of physical violence as opposed to another form of showing anger? Why does this insult impact him so much?

3.      Was Janie right or wrong to insult Jody in the middle of the store? Explain.

4.      What was your reaction to Jody’s death? Describe.

5.      What killed Jody? (Hint: think figuratively, a.k.a. not kidney failure)

6.      Was Jody a good town leader? Why or why not?

7.      In Chapter 2, Nanny tells Janie that the black woman is “de mule uh de world so fur as Ah can see”(14). How have you seen this statement referenced so far in the book? Give one or two examples.

8.      What was marriage to Janie at the beginning of her relationship with Jody and then what had it become by the end? Make a complex sentence to capture it. 

9.      How has Janie’s philosophy on love changed since the beginning of her first marriage (with Logan Killicks)?

Janie’s philosophy of love has changed significantly from her first marriage with Logan Killicks. At first, Janie thought that in marriage, the husband would treat her as a lover and partner. However, Logan treated her as a mere domestic worker. Jody became even worse as she treated her as a trophy wife. In the end, Janie accepted Tea Cake not because he showed her the love she wanted, but because he treated her better than the others. Here, Janie’s philosophy of love had reduced to respect and better treatment. 

10.  Describe Janie’s relationship/feelings towards Nanny now that she is older

11.  Why is there so much pressure on Janie to remarry? How does she respond to that pressure?