Chart
Part A: Characters
Select five characters in the novel. For each, provide a brief description and identify the function they serve in the novel.
Character Description Function
Janie Janie is a curious woman. She defies the standards defined by the society by flaunting her long, beautiful hair when her second husband dies. Her curiosity is her motivation to live. Janie is the protagonist of the novel. The story revolves around her three marriages and her quest for love. Raised by her Nanny, Janie experiences what she thought to be an innocent kiss under a pear tree. This incident led her to begin her quest for seeking true love. Initially an insecure, quiet girl, Janie grows to become a defiant, confident woman. …show more content…
He is an ambitious entrepreneur searching for business. Jody’s ambitiousness to have the perfect role in society neglects him from seeing Janie as his wife. Instead, he sees her as a trophy, or as the “icing on the cake.” Jody does not allow Janie to flaunt her beautiful hair and often does not let her engage in entertaining activities. His role in the novel is his influence on Janie. Janie knows that there is more to love than Jody and so she gains the courage to speak up to him.
Part B: Quotes and Passages
Select five chapters in the novel. Within each chapter, select a significant quotation or brief passage. Explain the significance of the portion you chose; consider themes and purposes of the book.
Chapter and Quote/Passage Explanation
Chapter 2: “She saw a dust-bearing bee sink into the sanctum of a bloom; the thousand sister-calyxes arch to meet the love embrace and the ecstatic shiver of the tree from root to tiniest branch creaming in every blossom and frothing with delight. So this was a marriage!” This was the moment that Janie embarked a ship that set sail towards love. She was exposed to the meaning of love and the pear tree symbolized her understanding of