Per last night's assignment, Olivia discussed and analyzed the motifs and imagery in chapter 16 in terms of the main character's journey of self-discovery. Olivia commented on how Janie's exterior change from blue satin dresses to overall and boots mirrored her interior development . We further examined racism perpetuated by African -Americans against other African-Americans as illustrated by the character Mrs. Turner who has a very light complexion and therefore disdains Blacks even though she is also African-American. This led to a good conversation on racial stereotypes and prejudice and the impact of wealth on African - American status within the White community. Our reading in the novel is leading up to the 1928 hurricane that devastated Palm Beach County where the characters reside. For homework, Olivia is conducting some research into the impacts of the 1928 hurricane on the West Palm Beach area and she will then compare her research to the novel's depiction of the hurricane 's impact in our area.