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.
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.
Also Read:-
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.
0 comments:
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.