Their Eyes Were Watching God Reading Guide & Discussion Questions

Book Club Discussion Questions

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For supplemental discussion material see our Beyond the Book article, The Critical Reception and Rediscovery of Their Eyes Were Watching God and our BookBrowse Review of Their Eyes Were Watching God.

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

1. What kind of God are the eyes of Hurston's characters watching? What is the nature of that God and of their watching? Do any of them question God?
2. What is the importance of the concept of horizon? How do Janie and each of her men widen her horizons? What is the significance of the novel's final sentences in this regard?
3. How does Janie's journey—from West Florida, to Eatonville, to the Everglades—represent her, and the novel's increasing immersion in black culture and traditions? What elements of individual action and communal life characterize that immersion?

Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of Amistad. Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.