Analyze the use of symbolism in Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God

Posted By: May 01, 2023 Leave a Reply

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 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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