How does Zora Neale Hurston use the concept of race in Their Eyes Were Watching God

How does Zora Neale Hurston use the concept of race in Their Eyes Were Watching God

In her novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God," Zora Neale Hurston uses the concept of race to explore the themes of identity, self-discovery, and oppression. The novel is set in the early 1900s, during a time when racism was prevalent and the lives of African Americans were limited by Jim Crow laws and social hierarchies. Hurston's portrayal of race in the novel reveals the ways in which it shapes the experiences of her characters and influences their perceptions of themselves and others.

How does Zora Neale Hurston use the concept of race in Their Eyes Were Watching God

At the beginning of the novel, the protagonist Janie Crawford is a young girl living in a small, all-black town in Florida. She is raised by her grandmother, who is a former slave and places great importance on the preservation of their African American heritage. Janie is initially unaware of her race and its implications, and is only made aware of her blackness when she sees herself in a photograph. This moment serves as a turning point for Janie, as she begins to grapple with the ways in which her identity as a black woman will shape her experiences in life.

How does Zora Neale Hurston use the concept of race in Their Eyes Were Watching God:-One of the key ways in which Hurston explores race in the novel is through the theme of colorism. Throughout the novel, light-skinned characters are often portrayed as having more privilege and opportunities than their darker-skinned counterparts. This is particularly evident in the character of Janie, who is described as having "long hair and hazel eyes" (Hurston 9), which mark her as being of mixed race. Janie is seen as more desirable than the other black women in the novel, and is able to marry into a higher social class as a result of her lighter skin.

However, Hurston also complicates this narrative by showing that even light-skinned black people face discrimination and prejudice. Janie's first husband, Logan Killicks, is described as having "skin like a fresh split pine tree" (Hurston 26), but is still depicted as being unattractive and domineering. Similarly, Janie's second husband, Joe Starks, is light-skinned and wealthy, but is also controlling and abusive. Hurston uses these characters to show that privilege based on skin color is ultimately a false construct that can be used to oppress even those who are perceived as being more "privileged" within the black community.

Another way in which Hurston explores race in the novel is through the theme of language. The characters in the novel often speak in a dialect that is specific to their African American heritage, which serves to highlight the ways in which language can be a marker of identity. However, Hurston also shows how language can be used to marginalize and oppress people. When Janie first arrives in Eatonville, she is mocked by the other black women for her "funny" way of speaking. Janie's use of Standard English marks her as being different from the other women, and she is made to feel like an outsider as a result.

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How does Zora Neale Hurston use the concept of race in Their Eyes Were Watching God:-Hurston also explores the concept of race through the theme of class. In the novel, the characters are divided into different social classes based on their wealth and occupation. While race is often used as a marker of class, Hurston shows that class can also transcend race. Janie's third husband, Tea Cake, is a poor, dark-skinned man who is initially looked down upon by the other characters. However, Janie is able to see past Tea Cake's poverty and race, and falls in love with him. Through their relationship, Hurston shows that love and respect can transcend the social hierarchies that are often based on race and class.

Their Eyes Were Watching God “Summary”

"Their Eyes Were Watching God" is a novel by Zora Neale Hurston that tells the story of Janie Crawford, an African American woman living in the early 1900s. The novel explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and oppression, and is set against the backdrop of a society that is deeply divided by race and class.

How does Zora Neale Hurston use the concept of race in Their Eyes Were Watching God:-The novel begins with Janie returning to Eatonville, Florida, after a two-year absence. She is greeted with suspicion and gossip by the other women in the town, who are jealous of her beauty and independence. The novel then shifts back in time to Janie's childhood, where she is raised by her grandmother after her mother abandons her. Janie is initially unaware of her race and its implications, but becomes more aware of her identity as a black woman as she grows older.

At the age of 16, Janie is forced into marriage with a man named Logan Killicks by her grandmother. Logan is an older man who owns a farm, and he expects Janie to work alongside him in the fields. Janie is unhappy in the marriage, and longs for love and romance. She leaves Logan for a man named Joe Starks, who takes her to Eatonville and helps to establish a general store and post office in the town.

Joe is a wealthy, light-skinned man who becomes the mayor of Eatonville. He is also controlling and abusive, and Janie is unhappy in the marriage. After Joe's death, Janie meets a man named Tea Cake, who is younger and poorer than she is. Janie falls in love with Tea Cake, and they move to the Everglades together. There, they experience a hurricane that destroys their home and kills many of their neighbors. Despite the hardships they face, Janie and Tea Cake remain devoted to each other.

How does Zora Neale Hurston use the concept of race in Their Eyes Were Watching God:-The novel concludes with Janie returning to Eatonville after Tea Cake's death. She is once again greeted with suspicion and gossip, but this time she is able to stand up for herself and assert her independence.

Throughout the novel, Hurston uses language to evoke the world of the novel and the culture of the African American community. The novel is written in a dialect that is specific to the African American experience, and Hurston uses this language to highlight the unique cultural traditions of the community. The language also serves to underscore the theme of identity, as the way the characters speak reflects their upbringing and cultural heritage.

How does Zora Neale Hurston use the concept of race in Their Eyes Were Watching God:-Another key theme of the novel is the role of race in society. Janie is often judged by the color of her skin, and her lighter complexion gives her a certain privilege within the African American community. However, Hurston shows that even within the black community, social hierarchies based on skin color can be used to oppress and marginalize people.

Hurston also explores the theme of gender in the novel. Janie is a strong, independent woman who defies the traditional roles that are expected of women in the society of the time. She seeks love and fulfillment outside of marriage, and is willing to take risks and challenge societal norms in order to achieve her goals.

Overall, "Their Eyes Were Watching God" is a powerful exploration of the African American experience in the early 1900s. The novel is a testament to the resilience and strength of the community, as well as a critique of the societal structures that limit and oppress individuals based on their race and gender.

FAQ.

Q: Who is the author of "Their Eyes Were Watching God"?

A: The author of "Their Eyes Were Watching God" is Zora Neale Hurston.

Q: What is the book about?

A: The book is about the life of Janie Crawford, an African American woman living in the early 1900s. It explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and oppression, and is set against the backdrop of a society that is deeply divided by race and class.

Q: When was the book published?

A: The book was first published in 1937.

 

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