[2] Hurston wrote the novel after publisher Bertram Lippencott read "The Gilded Six-Bits" and demonstrated interest.

[4] Hurston first had the idea for Jonah's Gourd Vine while conducting research in New Orleans and the Bahamas on hoodoo practices and folklore.

[2] Hurston wrote Mules and Men and "The Gilded Six-Bits" before four different publishers expressed interest in her writing a novel.

Lucy’s brother, Bud, tells his sister about John’s affair with Big 'Oman, who also lives on the plantation.

He finds work, sends her money, and eventually reunites and settles his family in Eatonville, Florida.

Members of his congregation suspect this relationship, telling Lucy about it and holding a secret conference to discuss John’s actions.

He leaves town and moves to Plant City, where he meets and marries a woman named Sally Lovelace.

John rushes home to be with Sally, thinking that God sent her to replace Lucy when a train hits and kills him.

The presence of violence represents the nature of race relations at the time and how it impacts social interactions.

[4] John demonstrates the impact of intergenerational trauma as the son of two formerly-enslaved people, experiencing economic slavery as a share-cropper.

Ned Crittenden reflects this theme through his need to reestablish masculinity and power in his home, where he is cruel to his wife and children.

[3] Hurston contrasts Ned's resentment and treatment of his children with Amy's pursuit of a better and free life for them.

Even in a marriage where he is supported by Sally and swears to be faithful, John has an affair with Ora which leads to his death.