The Power of Tone in "Their Eyes Were Watching God"

In Zora Neale Hurston's masterpiece "Their Eyes Were Watching God," the author skillfully employs various tones to convey the protagonist's journey towards self-discovery and empowerment. Through the use of vivid imagery, dialect, and symbolism, Hurston creates a rich tapestry of emotions, capturing the essence of Janie Crawford's experiences as she navigates her relationships, societal expectations, and personal growth. This essay will delve into the nuances of tone in "Their Eyes Were Watching God," exploring how it contributes to the overall themes and messages of the novel.

The opening lines of the novel immediately set the tone for the entire narrative. Hurston's choice of words and the rhythmic quality of her writing create a sense of warmth and familiarity, drawing the reader into Janie's world. The narrator's voice is filled with nostalgic reverence as she introduces the protagonist's story: "Ships at a distance have every man's wish on board. For some, they come in with the tide. For others, they sail forever on the horizon, never out of sight, never landing until the Watcher turns his eyes away in resignation, his dreams mocked to death by Time" (Hurston 1). This lyrical and almost poetic tone establishes a sense of longing and anticipation, setting the stage for Janie's quest for love and self-fulfillment.

As the narrative unfolds, the tone shifts, reflecting the societal expectations and constraints faced by Janie as an African American woman in the early 20th century. The author employs a somber tone when describing the hardships Janie endures during her marriages. For instance, when Janie marries Logan Killicks, the tone becomes heavy with resignation and suffocation: "She knew now that marriage did not make love. Janie's first dream was dead, so she became a woman" (Hurston 25). The use of short, declarative sentences emphasizes the harsh reality of Janie's situation and highlights her gradual loss of innocence and autonomy.

In contrast, Hurston also employs a celebratory and exuberant tone during moments of self-discovery and empowerment for Janie. When Janie meets Tea Cake, her third husband, a new tone emerges, one filled with passion and joy. The author utilizes vibrant descriptions and colloquial language to capture the blossoming of Janie's relationship with Tea Cake: "He drifted off into sleep and Janie looked down on him and felt a self-crushing love. So her soul crawled out from its hiding place" (Hurston 112). The use of vivid imagery and the shift towards more colloquial language reflect Janie's newfound freedom and the rejuvenation of her spirit.

Additionally, Hurston skillfully employs dialect to enhance the tone and authenticity of the novel. The use of vernacular language in dialogue and narration adds depth to the characters and creates a sense of place. The dialect helps to establish the cultural context of the novel and serves as a reminder of the struggles faced by African Americans during this time period. For example, in a conversation between Janie and her friend Phoeby, the use of dialect adds a layer of warmth and familiarity to their exchange: "Two things everybody's got tuh do fuh theyselves. They got tuh go tuh God, and they got tuh find out about livin' fuh theyselves" (Hurston 183). The inclusion of dialect not only adds authenticity to the characters' voices but also amplifies the emotional impact of their words.

In "Their Eyes Were Watching God," Zora Neale Hurston expertly utilizes tone to convey the complexities of Janie Crawford's journey towards self-discovery and empowerment. Through the varying tones of nostalgia, resignation, passion, and authenticity, Hurston paints a vivid portrait of Janie's experiences, capturing the struggles and triumphs of a woman determined to find her own voice in a society that seeks to silence her. By skillfully manipulating tone, Hurston brings this timeless story to life, creating a lasting impact on readers and challenging societal norms. The power of tone in "Their Eyes Were Watching God" reminds us of the importance of individual autonomy and the relentless pursuit of self-realization.