Journal #2

"How does the setting affect the text: atmosphere, characterization, motivation?"

The setting, which is in the American South in a time where African Americans were segregated from the whites after achieving freedom from slavery, highly affects different aspects of the text and knowing the setting can help the reader understand the text. In this particular setting, motivation for these women are to fit in the mold of a perfect African-American woman, a motivation by all in that time that had specific rules (especially with marriage) highlighted by our lovely Nanny. The setting highlights the atmosphere as well, with the poverty that these women live in where girls get raped and be forced into arranged marriages and therefore automatically sets a darker, somber mood for the text. The characterization of Janie is highly affected by the text in that the life of the American South for the average African-American woman differs that the beliefs of Janie, highlighting her unique thoughts.