Their Eyes Were Watching God Thesis

“Ships at a distance have every man’s wish on board. For some they come in with the tide. (Hurston.1)” This represents the dreams of men, always in reach, never too far. “Now, women forget all those things they don’t want to remember, and remember everything they don’t want to forget. The dream is the truth. Then they act and do things accordingly. (Hurtson.1)” Women were not given the same opportunities as men were, so when they had a dream, they shoved it to the side. Not because they wanted to, but because they that’s what was expected of them. Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God displayed a forever long journey of Janie Crawford. Set in the 1930’s Janie was expected to marry and have children. However, Janie’s idea of marriage was a bit different than her concerned Nanny’s. Nanny did not want her granddaughter, Janie, to be a house maid as she was. So when a prosperous suitor made his feelings for Janie apparent, Nanny arranged for Janie and Logan Killicks to be Wed. This was the beginning of Janie’s journey of love.

“But Nanny, Ah wants to want him sometimes. Ah don’t want him to do all de wantin’.” (Hurston.23) But as you read in the previous paragraph, Nanny did not think much of Janie’s comment about love. “Ah hope you fall on soft ground” (Hurston.25) Logan Killicks had sixty acres of successful farmland which was perfect “soft ground” in case Janie fell. Despite the provided financial support and good treating during the first year of marriage, Logan wanted Janie to help him with the farming work. This in turn made her feel used and unloved. So Janie does what she wants to do and leaves him for Jody Starks, yet another branch connected to Janie’s growing