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Their Eyes Were Watching God Literary Analysis

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Farlow, Sarah Farlow1 Mrs. Allison Honors English III May 26, 2023 The Power Of Self Discovery By Sarah Farlow In Zora Neale Hurston's "Their Eyes Were Watching God," the author skillfully combines themes of self-discovery and individuality through her vivid language, elaborate symbolism, and complex characterizations. Through these literary devices, Hurston develops and supports the overarching theme of the transformative power of self-discovery and the importance of embracing one's individuality. In this analytical essay, we will explore how Hurston's writing style and the various literary elements she applies work together to create an eye-opening narrative that entertains and informs readers about the importance …show more content…

Throughout the novel, Hurston applies a narrative style that is both affectionate and conversational, drawing the reader to want to learn more about Janie's journey of self-discovery. Hurston begins the novel with detailed plot development to contribute to the themes and construct a complex story. For instance, at the novel’s beginning, the author presents the reader with a foreshadowed event about Janie returning to Eatonville after Tea Cake's death. This event makes the reader anxious to discover who Tea Cake is, what he has to do with Janie, and what happens to him. The use of dialect also adds depth and authenticity to the characters and setting. It also conveys the unique voice of Janie and the other characters, emphasizing their individuality and helping the reader better understand how the characters and setting might look. Furthermore, Hurston's depiction of Janie's relationships with the men in her life illustrates the importance of freedom and self-definition that she will soon find. Janie's first two marriages, arranged by others, are characterized by a lack of self-realization and self-control. It is only in her relationship with Tea Cake that Janie can enjoy herself and fully embrace her desires and dreams of having a husband that she truly loves. Ultimately, Hurston's writing in "Their Eyes Were Watching God" supports the …show more content…

For example, when Janie is in a state of fulfillment, Hurston describes the blossoming of the pear tree, which symbolizes Janie's self-growth and blossoming. This metaphor is also incorporated when Janie Farlow 3 experiences loss and despair; Hurston uses the hurricane’s imagery to represent Janie’s unease. Additionally, Hurston's use of dialect further develops the theme of self-discovery. As Janie interacts with different characters, she learns more about herself and her desires, reflected in how she speaks. For example, Janie's language becomes more advanced throughout the novel as she learns more about herself and her desires. Through Janie's journey of self-discovery, Hurston emphasizes the importance of individual growth and pursuing one's dreams rather than paying close attention and living by following societal

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Zora Neale Hurston utilizes three narrative strategies, including authentic dialect and free indirect discourse, to communicate the themes and larger messages of the novel in Their Eyes Were Watching God. Hurston uses authentic dialect to give each character a voice and bring them to life, which is essential to the reader’s understanding of the novel. Specifically, this narrative mode is crucial to moments when Janie finds the confidence to voice her thoughts and opinions. However, this dialect only hints towards the novel’s themes, failing to convey the overall message of the book. In comparison, Hurston is able to reveal Janie’s deeper thoughts and corresponding revelations through free indirect discourse as well as convey the larger messages

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In Their Eyes Were Watching God, Zora Neale Hurston composed a passionate story of a beautiful African American woman in the early 1900s. It embodies how life was for the women of color, and the struggles they faced. Hurston used literary devices to show the struggles Jaine had to go through to find her voice and the power within herself. In the relationship between her and her first two husbands, she struggled to figure out if marriage was really the equivalent of happiness. Not knowing what she needed in life she struggled to find the feeling she had always craved.

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Throughout the book, we see an idealistic view of love linked also very closely with innocence and youth. This is illustrated when Janie says, “‘Ah wants things sweet wid mah marriage lak when you sit under a pear tree and think.”’ (Page 24). In this quote, Janie expresses her idealistic desires surrounding marriage. Her reference to the pear tree perpetuates the theme that we see in the novel of Janie’s youth, and perception of love, evoking a reference to

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Janie shows determination as she persists and struggles to define love on her own terms through her marriages. First, her determination shows when Janie runs away with Jody. She becomes aware that her marriage with Logan does not satisfy her goals and dreams for love, so she takes a chance and marries Jody. Hurston states, “Janie hurried out of the front gate and turned south.

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Her Story, Her Voice The unique story that is Their Eyes Were Watching God is a story of voices collected together to create one big voice. Hurston uses many characters’ voices to help Janie find her own, actual voice and tell her story by the end of the novel. The story by Zora Neale Hurston is a frame story which is a story within a story. Hurston, like many other authors, uses the frame narrative to help the story come full circle and create a sense that the reader is part of the story.

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Pulled it from around the waist of the world and draped it over her shoulder. So much of life in its meshes! She called in her soul to come and see” (265). Hurston beautifully depicts this image of Janie’s soul emerging as a statement of her love for Tea Cake and of her vulnerability when she is with him. Likewise, at the end of the story, Janie calls on her soul to come out yet again at the moment in which she reflects upon her life with Tea Cake and in a way thanks him for allowing her to be free.

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Self-discovery is essential to a prosperous life. In the novel Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston, Janie, the main character, discovers who she is through her relationships. Janie learns from each of her experiences, but the most significant are her husbands: Logan, Jody, and Tea Cake. Each of these people attempt to control her thoughts and actions, but Janie rebels against them. Janie stands up for what she believes in, and through these confrontations, she better understands herself.

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Most teenagers struggle with finding themselves. Sometimes, this struggle continues for their entire life. In Their Eyes Were Watching God, Hurston emphasizes that life-long battle. She shows her readers that everyone toils with finding themselves and that loving someone won’t always help them find their identity. She uses many symbols to help describe this struggle.

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