Analyze the use of symbolism in Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God
Zora Neale Hurston's novel
"Their Eyes Were Watching God" is a powerful work of literature that
explores the themes of race, gender, love, and identity. Throughout the novel,
Hurston employs various forms of symbolism to convey these themes to the
reader. In this essay, I will analyze the use of symbolism in "Their Eyes
Were Watching God."
Analyze the use of symbolism in Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching:-One of the most prominent symbols in the novel is the horizon. Throughout the novel, Janie, the protagonist, is often depicted looking towards the horizon. This symbolizes Janie's desire for freedom and her search for identity. Janie is constantly searching for something beyond her current circumstances, a new horizon to explore. This is demonstrated early in the novel when Janie first sees the horizon as a child: "She was stretched on her back beneath the pear tree, soaking in the alto chant of the visiting bees, the gold of the sun and the panting breath of the breeze when the inaudible voice of it all came to her.
She saw a dust-bearing
bee sink into the sanctum of a bloom; the thousand sister-calyxes arch to meet
the love embrace and the ecstatic shiver of the tree from root to tiniest
branch creaming in every blossom and frothing with delight. So this was a
marriage! She had been summoned to behold a revelation. Then Janie felt a pain
remorseless sweet that left her limp and languid." (Hurston, 10-11). The
horizon symbolizes the idea that there is always something beyond our current
circumstances, something that we can aspire to and strive towards. For Janie,
the horizon represents the possibility of a better life and a greater sense of
self.
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Analyze the use of symbolism in Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching:-Another symbol used in the novel is
the pear tree. The pear tree is a symbol of Janie's sexual awakening and her desire
for love. When Janie is a child, she sees bees pollinating a pear tree and is
struck by the beauty of the scene. This moment awakens her to the idea of
romantic love and sets her on a path to find it for herself. The pear tree
symbolizes the idea that love is natural and beautiful, and that it is
something that we should all strive to experience.
The mule is another important symbol in the novel. The mule represents the way that African Americans were treated during the early 20th century. The mule was seen as a useful tool, but it was also treated poorly and abused. In the same way, African Americans were seen as useful for their labor, but they were also treated poorly and abused. Janie's second husband, Jody, even compares her to a mule at one point in the novel: "Ah knowed you wasn't gointuh lissen tuh me. You changes everything but nothin' don't change you--not even death. But Ah can't make you out. You'se uh riddle, Janie Starks, de sun says, and he aims tuh solve you one of these days. And Ah'm goin' tuh stand by and see dat it's done. Git up on uh stump, lil girl, and let de world see whut they been missin'" (Hurston, 45).
This
passage demonstrates the way that Jody views Janie as nothing more than a tool
to be used for his own purposes. The mule symbolizes the way that African
Americans were dehumanized and treated as property during this time period.
Analyze the use of symbolism in Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching:-The horizon, the pear tree, and the
mule are just a few examples of the many symbols used in "Their Eyes Were
Watching God." Each of these symbols contributes to the overall theme of
the novel, which is the search for identity and the struggle for
self-realization.
What is the significance of the
title "Their Eyes Were Watching God"? The title is taken from a
passage in the novel where Janie reflects on her experiences and her
relationship with Tea Cake. She realizes that her experiences have given her a
greater understanding of herself and the world around her, and that she is now
connected to a greater power that she refers to as "God." The title
reflects the idea that everyone is watching and learning from their
experiences, and that we are all connected to a greater power.
Their
Eyes Were Watching God “Themes”
Zora Neale Hurston's novel
"Their Eyes Were Watching God" explores a variety of themes,
including the search for identity, the nature of love, the role of gender and
race in society, and the importance of community. In this essay, I will analyze
these themes in detail.
Analyze the use of symbolism in Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching:-One of the primary themes in the
novel is the search for identity. Janie, the protagonist, is on a journey to
find herself and understand her place in the world. Throughout the novel, she
struggles to define herself in relation to the expectations of others and the
societal norms of her time. For example, when Janie marries her second husband,
Jody, she is expected to conform to his expectations of a proper wife. However,
Janie resists this and asserts her own identity. This theme is also reflected
in the recurring symbol of the horizon, which represents Janie's desire for
something beyond her current circumstances, something that will help her better
understand herself and her place in the world.
Another important theme in the
novel is the nature of love. Janie's journey to find love is a central plotline
of the novel, and her relationships with her three husbands illustrate
different aspects of love. Janie's first marriage to Logan Killicks is arranged
by her grandmother, and Janie is forced into it despite her lack of love for
Logan. This marriage represents a traditional and practical approach to love,
one that is based on security and stability rather than passion or connection.
Janie's second marriage to Jody Starks is characterized by his desire for control
over Janie and his expectations of her as his wife. This marriage represents
the toxic nature of possessive love and the importance of mutual respect and
equality in a relationship. Janie's third marriage to Tea Cake represents a
more authentic and passionate form of love, one based on mutual respect and a
deep connection. Through these three marriages, the novel explores the
complexities of love and the importance of finding a love that is both
fulfilling and healthy.
Analyze the use of symbolism in Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching:-The role of gender and race in society
is another important theme in the novel. Janie is a black woman living in the
early 20th century, a time when both gender and race played significant roles
in determining one's place in society. Janie's journey to find herself is
complicated by these societal expectations and norms. For example, as a woman,
Janie is expected to be subservient to her husband and to fulfill certain
domestic duties. However, Janie resists these expectations and asserts her own
agency. Similarly, as a black woman, Janie is subject to discrimination and
oppression. The novel explores the intersections of gender and race and the
ways in which these identities shape one's experiences in society.
Finally, the theme of community is
also explored in the novel. Janie's journey to find herself is not a solitary
one, but rather one that is deeply connected to the community around her. The
novel highlights the importance of communal support and the ways in which
community can provide a sense of belonging and purpose. For example, Janie
finds a sense of community with the workers on the muck, and her relationship
with Tea Cake is shaped by their shared experiences with the community in the
Everglades. The novel suggests that community can provide a sense of grounding
and support, even in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, Zora Neale Hurston's
novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God" explores a variety of themes,
including the search for identity, the nature of love, the role of gender and
race in society, and the importance of community. Through the experiences of
Janie and the various characters in the novel, Hurston offers a nuanced
exploration of these themes, highlighting their complexity and
interconnectedness.
FAQ.
Q: What is the historical context of "Their Eyes Were
Watching God"?
A: The novel is set in the
early 20th century in the Southern United States, during a time of great social
change and racial tension. African Americans were still facing discrimination
and segregation, and many were moving from rural areas to urban centers in
search of better opportunities. The novel was written during the Harlem
Renaissance, a period of artistic and intellectual growth in the African
American community.
Q: What is the style of writing in "Their Eyes Were
Watching God"?
A: The novel is written in a
unique style that combines elements of African American vernacular and poetic
language. Hurston uses vivid imagery and metaphors to convey the experiences
and emotions of her characters. The novel is also notable for its use of
dialect, which some readers may find challenging to understand.
Q: What is the legacy of "Their Eyes Were Watching
God"?
A: The novel is considered a
classic of African American literature and a groundbreaking work of feminist
fiction. It has been praised for its portrayal of a strong, independent female
protagonist and its use of African American vernacular. The novel has also been
adapted into several films and stage productions, and continues to be studied
and celebrated by scholars and readers alike.
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