Sacrifice is an inevitable element of our world, exacerbated by the greed and rapid expansion in the population of humans. The idea is relevant to the themes and events surrounding the plot of Their Eyes Were Watching God, a romantic, feminist novel by Zora Neale Hurston. The protagonist Janie grows up disparaged, as her mother left her at birth with her grandmother. Janie learns of love, self-respect, expression, and ultimately sacrifice as she goes from partner to partner after her grandmother’s passing. Sacrifice and the implied investment of a sacrifice reveal much of the deeper meaning of Their Eyes Were Watching God. Janie’s grandmother is the first character whose sacrifices are detailed to the reader. After Janie’s mother, “Leafy” abandons her, Janie’s grandmother is left with the responsibility of caring for Janie. She sacrificed in her childhood, being subjected to slavery until being released after adolescence. She has always sacrificed, and her true feelings are revealed by this. Janie’s grandmother was inclined to sacrifice because she felt it would lead to success for herself and those close to her. Undoubtedly, the unfair and discriminatory treatment of African Americans during the time period left Janie’s grandmother feeling as though sacrifice was her only option. …show more content…
If Janie hadn’t shot Tea Cake, he would have likely shot and killed Janie. Her choice to survive shows courage in the face of sorrow, and is a testament to her determination to persevere as a person. This is seen by the court, which she must convince she is not guilty. It reveals to the reader the main idea and deeper meaning of Their Eyes Were Watching God to utilize empathy and perspective. Janie is able to pursue the life she is confident in actualizing because of her ability to trust her own instinct. This shows her value in the idea of