Essays on Their Eyes Were Watching God

September 18, 1937, Zora Neale Hurston

Bildungsroman

Janie Crawford, Logan Killicks, Joe "Jody" Starks, Vergible "Tea Cake" Woods

"Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston is a novel that draws inspiration from various sources, including the author's personal experiences, cultural heritage, and the African-American community of the early 20th century.
Hurston, an anthropologist and writer, was deeply influenced by her upbringing in Eatonville, Florida, one of the first all-black towns in the United States. The town's vibrant community and rich oral traditions provided Hurston with a unique perspective on African-American life and culture.
The novel also reflects Hurston's exploration of folklore and African-American vernacular storytelling. Her anthropological research in the Southern United States and the Caribbean contributed to her understanding of the cultural significance of oral traditions and the power of storytelling within African-American communities.

"Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston follows the life of Janie Crawford, an African-American woman on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
Janie embarks on three marriages, each offering different experiences. Her first marriage to Logan Killicks is arranged by her grandmother, Nanny, for financial security. However, Janie finds herself unhappy and trapped in an unfulfilling relationship. Her second marriage to the charismatic Joe Starks brings Janie to the town of Eatonville, where they establish a successful store and Joe becomes the mayor. Yet, Janie's individuality is stifled as Joe controls her life and suppresses her dreams.
After Joe's death, Janie finally finds love and fulfillment in her relationship with Tea Cake, a younger man. They move to the Everglades, where Janie experiences a newfound sense of freedom and happiness. However, their relationship faces challenges when a hurricane strikes, leading to Tea Cake's tragic demise.

"Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston is primarily set in the rural towns of Eatonville and the Everglades in Florida during the early 20th century.
Eatonville, a real town founded by African Americans, serves as a backdrop for the story. It represents a unique community where African-American residents can govern themselves and cultivate their own traditions and identity. The setting of Eatonville highlights themes of empowerment, self-governance, and the search for autonomy within a segregated society.
The Everglades, on the other hand, provides a contrasting backdrop to the structured environment of Eatonville. The natural landscape of the Everglades is characterized by its untamed wilderness, dense vegetation, and unpredictable climate. It symbolizes a place of liberation and freedom, where the characters can connect with nature and explore their inner selves away from societal constraints.

One of the central themes is the quest for self-discovery and identity. The protagonist, Janie Crawford, embarks on a journey of self-realization, seeking love, independence, and fulfillment beyond societal expectations. Her pursuit of personal freedom and individuality challenges the traditional gender roles and cultural norms of the era.
Another theme is the exploration of love and relationships. Hurston delves into the complexities of love, presenting various types of relationships and their effects on individuals. Through Janie's experiences with different partners, the novel examines the dynamics of love, including passion, companionship, and the quest for a fulfilling emotional connection.
The theme of racial and gender inequality is also prominent. Hurston sheds light on the struggles faced by African Americans in the early 20th century, addressing the social and cultural barriers they encountered. Janie's journey reflects the intersectionality of race and gender, highlighting the challenges and resilience of African American women in a discriminatory society.
Lastly, the theme of nature and spirituality is woven throughout the narrative. Hurston incorporates elements of folklore and mythology, emphasizing the connection between individuals and the natural world. The portrayal of nature as a source of solace, wisdom, and healing underscores the characters' spiritual growth and the importance of embracing one's roots.

One prominent literary device in the novel is the use of dialect and vernacular language. Hurston skillfully incorporates the distinctive speech patterns and idioms of the characters, particularly those of the African American community in the rural South. This authentic representation of language adds richness to the storytelling and immerses readers in the cultural context of the characters. For example, characters like Pheoby Watson and Tea Cake speak in dialect, such as Tea Cake's line, "You'se de prize for all our black women."
Another literary device employed is symbolism. Hurston uses symbols to convey deeper meanings and themes. For instance, the pear tree symbolizes Janie's blossoming sexuality and desire for love and fulfillment. The hurricane symbolizes chaos and destruction but also serves as a catalyst for change and rebirth. These symbols add layers of depth to the narrative, allowing readers to interpret the story on both a literal and symbolic level.
The narrative structure is another notable literary device in the novel. Hurston uses a nonlinear timeline, employing flashbacks and storytelling techniques to weave together Janie's past and present experiences. This nonlinear structure mirrors the nonlinear nature of memory and reflects the complexities of Janie's journey of self-discovery.
Additionally, the use of vivid imagery brings the settings and characters to life. Hurston's evocative descriptions create a sensory experience for the readers, immersing them in the lush landscapes of Eatonville and the harsh realities of the Everglades. Through vivid imagery, readers can visualize the scenes and empathize with the characters' experiences.

One notable representation of the novel is the 2005 television film adaptation directed by Darnell Martin. Starring Halle Berry as Janie Crawford, the film received critical acclaim for its faithful portrayal of the characters and themes. It captured the essence of Janie's journey of self-discovery and the challenges she faced in navigating love, identity, and societal expectations. The adaptation brought the rich dialogue and vibrant settings of the novel to life, showcasing the beauty of the Southern landscape and the complexities of the characters' relationships.
Another representation of "Their Eyes Were Watching God" is the stage play adaptation by Seret Scott. This theatrical adaptation, performed in various theaters, offers a live experience of the story, allowing audiences to witness the emotional depth of the characters and the power of the dialogue in real-time. The stage adaptation highlights the resilience and strength of Janie as she navigates her path towards personal fulfillment and liberation.

"Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston has had a significant influence on literature and African-American culture. Since its publication in 1937, the novel has become a seminal work of the Harlem Renaissance, showcasing the experiences and voices of African-American women.
One of the key influences of "Their Eyes Were Watching God" is its portrayal of a strong and independent female protagonist. The character of Janie Crawford defied societal norms of the time and became a symbol of empowerment for many readers. Her journey of self-discovery and pursuit of love and fulfillment challenged traditional gender roles and inspired subsequent generations of writers and feminists.
The novel also had a profound impact on African-American literature. Hurston's use of African-American Vernacular English (AAVE) and her incorporation of folklore and cultural elements contributed to the development of an authentic and distinct African-American literary voice. Her lyrical prose and vivid descriptions of the Southern setting created a rich and immersive reading experience.
Moreover, "Their Eyes Were Watching God" revitalized interest in the folklore and oral traditions of African-American communities. Hurston's anthropological background and her incorporation of African-American folktales and storytelling techniques helped to preserve and celebrate African-American cultural heritage.

"Their Eyes Were Watching God" is an important literary work that deserves careful examination and analysis through essay writing. This novel by Zora Neale Hurston holds a significant place in the canon of African-American literature and explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and the power dynamics of race and gender. Through the journey of the protagonist, Janie Crawford, readers are exposed to the complexities of African-American life in the early 20th century.
By delving into the rich layers of this novel, an essay writer can explore the ways in which Hurston challenges societal norms and gives voice to African-American women who have often been marginalized and silenced. The vivid descriptions, vibrant characters, and powerful use of language in the novel provide ample material for analysis, enabling writers to examine literary devices, narrative techniques, and thematic significance.
Furthermore, "Their Eyes Were Watching God" offers valuable insights into the historical and cultural context of the time, shedding light on the experiences of African-Americans and the struggles they faced in a racially segregated society. Through an essay, one can delve into the social, political, and cultural implications of the novel, exploring its lasting impact and relevance in contemporary discussions of race, gender, and identity.

"We’se uh mingled people and all of us got black kinfolks as well as yaller kinfolks."
"Anyone who looked more white folkish than herself was better than she was in her criteria, therefore it was right they should be cruel to her at times…. Like the pecking order in a chicken yard."
"De ones de white man knows is nice colored folks. De ones he don’t know is bad niggers."
"Janie is wherever Ah wants tuh be. Dat’s de kind uh wife she is and Ah love her for it. Ah wouldn’t be knockin’ her around. Ah didn’t wants whup her last night, but ol’ Mis’ Turner done send for her brother tuh come bait Janie in and take her away from me. Ah didn’t whup Jane ‘cause she done nothin’. Ah beat her tuh show dem Turners who is boss."
"What dat ole forty year ole ʼoman doin’ wid her hair swingin’ down her back lak some young gal?"

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