Eyes 1

Yesterday we did a paper workshop so hopefully everyone got some constructive feedback. Remember some things to check yourself would be: quote support, clear and specific thesis, stays on topic, smooth writing style.
Today we had a quiz on the first half of the novel and then had discussion number one. I know it's a little tricky to stick with discussing a smaller section of a novel but it might help to look at some specific passages. It would also be nice for the leaders to try and get some of the more reticent people involved.
Upcoming: Paper Final Draft 2/17
Finish Eyes 2/18

Here are some of my notes from the first half of the novel.
Hurston's language use--What is going on here? Is the slang overdone or realistic? If the author was white would this still be considered a classic or a racist manifesto?
What is the opening scene talking about?
Look at how Jody is described, especially in comparison to the other characters. Is he the symbolic white master? Notice he owns most of the land, runs the town, has the big white house, etc.
Views of marriage--is Nanny right for being so logical or is she tainting Janie?
Pear Tree symbol--it's obviously Janie's identification with love but why a Pear tree? What are the implications here? What does this image convey?
Fluid P.O.V--the point-of-view for this novel switches between 1st and 3rd omniscient often without readers even noticing. What are the differences between the voices? Are there certain parts where one voice is stronger and why?
Pretty hard to ignore race in this book but even harder to figure out exactly what is going on. Remember Janie only has one black parent and one black grandparent and didn't even realize she was black until she was 6. Why is her hair (white style) he most attractive feature?
The Dozens--ok probably the best part of the book is at the end of chapter 7 when Janie verbally castrates Jody. If you don't know what the dozens are someone remind me to talk about it in class.
Debate question: Is this a feminist novel? Is Janie a strong female character?
Finally--why is there no mention of babies? Natural part of marriage before birth control and it would be a high expectation for Janie and most likely seen as a weakness if she didn't produce, so what's going on there?