Extra+Credit+Q2

Their Eyes Were Watching God

 * Essay Prompts and WARNING-the following topics are meant to truly challenge you as a student of literary analysis. These are topics touched on briefly in class, so you cannot rely on notes taken already. These prompts accurately represent the kinds of critical thinking common in college level work. To make things even more interesting, you are required to research the book and find outside sources of literary criticism and commentary about Hurston, her works, and of course this specific novel. Use MLA format which includes in text citations and a works cited page. Give yourself plenty of time to complete this assignment. **

1. The idea of "voice," meaning communication, expression of feelings and opinions, is a critical thematic element in the novel. Examine how Thurston develops this theme through three specific episodes wherein Janie's "voice" is both suppressed AND expressed. (In other words, use two examples of suppression and one of expression OR two examples of expression and one of suppression.) Consider the context, the other characters involved, the reactions/consequences/impact of the suppression/expression.

2. Thurston's style is a unique and effective blend of both dialect/colloquialism of the black Southern speech and sophisticated/educated poetic prose. Explore and analyze using examples from the text what emotional effect this combination has on the reader to make this novel a popular favorite AND what literary value/merit this combination has in terms of making this novel a critical success worthy of being called a "classic."

3. "Good intentions" unfortunately often run amuck, causing more harm than good. Choose three individuals in Janie's life who had "good intentions" for her and discuss how these intentions ultimately harmed Janie. Be specific when describing the good intentions AND the harm, using plenty of quotes from the book.

4. A writer's style, for the purposes of literary discussion, can be viewed as a potpourri of the following elements: Fig. Lang., Diction, Imagery, Rhythm & Sound, and Syntax ( **Fish Dive In Rivers and Seas** ). Choose three of these elements and 1) identify examples of them in her writing FROM PAGE 78 ON, and 2) analyze their impact/effect on telling the story or "conveying experience." Then, just for fun, in your CONCLUSION paragraph, discuss the overall tone of the book (ly ___) as derived from your discussion of style. Thus, your conclusion will read more like an OREO than a sparse rephrasing of the thesis :) BTW-the reason you can't use examples from pages 1-77 is because we discussed them in class, and I don't want you using those ideas/notes. I know, I'm evil.

5. Choose three excerpts from the book and show how Thurston employs a folklore/story-telling aspect and/or an anthropological perspective in her writing. Explain how her background as a folklorist/anthropologist impacts/affects the writing, BOTH in style and content.