Their Eyes Were Watching God | Short Essay Assignments

Short Essay Questions

The 60 short essay questions listed in this section require a one to two sentence answer. They ask students to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the text. Students must describe what they've read, rather than just recall it.

Short Essay Question - Chapter 1

1. Describe Janie's appearance.

2. What do Janie's neighbors normally do after a long day's work?

3. Describe your impression of the relationship between Pheoby and Janie.

4. How do the neighborhood women seem to feel about Janie?

Short Essay Question - Chapter 2

5. Why do the other children make fun of Janie and refuse to play with her?

6. Describe the analogy Hurston uses to explain Janie's sexual awakening.

7. Why does Nanny want Janie to get married?