1. THEIR EYES WERE WATCHING GOD
Standards Focus Activities
Chapters Nineteen and Twenty Standards Focus: Theme
Theme is the central idea in a work of literature. The theme of a piece of literature should not be
confused with the subject of the work, but rather, it is a general statement about life or human
nature. Most themes are not completely obvious and must be inferred by the reader. The reader
must take a good look at the characters, plot, setting, mood, even the title, and how they work
together, to understand and recognize the reasons Hurston wrote this particular piece of literature.
Directions: For numbers 1-5, a theme from the novel has been chosen. Find a quote from the text
which best illustrates each theme. For numbers 6-10, a quote has been taken directly from the text.
Write what additional themes these quotes reveal or suggest. Remember that theme is not a
one-word response, but rather, a complete statement of opinion. The chapter number has
been given in order for you to look up the reference if necessary.
1. The quest for identity and autonomy is not easy.
Example:
2. Although family and friends may have the best intentions, they should not decide your life’s path.
Example:
3. Folk culture and religion is an important aspect of the African-American community.
Example:
4. Everyone, regardless of age, race, or gender has a right to achieve happiness.
Example:
5. Women often have a more difficult time in life because of gender roles and expectations.
Example:
©2006 Secondary Solutions Their Eyes Were Watching God Literature Guide 1

2. THEIR EYES WERE WATCHING GOD
Standards Focus Activities
6. "Ah don't mean to bother wid tellin' 'em nothin', Pheoby. 'Tain't worth de trouble. You can tell 'em
what Ah say if you wants to. Dat's just de same as me 'cause mah tongue is in mah friend's mouf."
(Chapter 1)
Theme:
7. "Sometimes God gits familiar wid us womenfolks too and talks His inside business. He told me…
how surprised y'all is goin' tuh be if you ever find out you don't know half as much 'bout us as you
think you do. It's so easy to make yo'self out God Almighty when you ain't got nothin' tuh strain
against but women and chickens." (Chapter 6)
Theme:
8. "She was borned in slavery time when folks, dat is black folks, didn’t sit down anytime dey felt
lak it. So sittin’ on porches lak de white madam looked lak uh mighty fine thing tuh her. Dat’s whut
she wanted for me—don’t keer whut it cost. Git up on a high chair and sit dere. She didn’t have
time tuh think whut tuh do after you got up on de stool uh do nothin’. De object wuz tuh git dere.”
(Chapter 12)
Theme:
9. "They sat in company with the others in other shanties, their eyes straining against crude walls
and their souls asking if He meant to measure their puny might against His. They seemed to be
staring at the dark, but their eyes were watching God.” (Chapter 18)
Theme:
10. "It's uh known fact, Pheoby, you got tuh go there tuh know there….Two things everybody's got
tuh do fuh theyselves. They got tuh go tuh God, and they got tuh find out about livin' fuh
theyselves." (Chapter 20)
Theme:
Reflect on the themes of the novel above to answer the following questions in complete sentences.
If you need more room, use a separate piece of paper to continue your response.
12. What was your reaction to Tea Cake’s death, after Janie’s struggle for love and autonomy?
What do you think is the reason Hurston wrote this particular ending? How might it relate to the
themes of the novel?
©2006 Secondary Solutions Their Eyes Were Watching God Literature Guide 2

3. THEIR EYES WERE WATCHING GOD
Standards Focus Activities
13. From what you have read in this novel, what do you think Hurston is trying to say about the
nature of human beings? Think about the concepts of love, strength, belonging, freedom, identity,
and perseverance.
Write in one sentence what you believe is the most important theme or message Hurston wished to
convey by writing Their Eyes Were Watching God.
©2006 Secondary Solutions Their Eyes Were Watching God Literature Guide 3