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Essays on Their Eyes Were Watching God

"Their Eyes Were Watching God," penned by Zora Neale Hurston, is a literary masterpiece that offers a profound glimpse into the journey of its protagonist, Janie Crawford. Crafting an essay on this topic is not merely an academic exercise; it's an opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich narrative, delve into themes of self-discovery, feminism, and racial identity, and engage with the beauty of Hurston's storytelling. 📚🌼

📝 "Their Eyes Were Watching God" Essay Topics

Selecting the perfect topic for your essay on "Their Eyes Were Watching God" involves thoughtful consideration. It requires finding a facet of the story that resonates with you and aligns with your essay goals:

🗣️ "Their Eyes Were Watching God" Argumentative Essay

An argumentative essay on the novel demands a clear perspective on a specific aspect of Janie's journey and the themes explored. Characteristics of this type of essay include presenting a well-structured argument with supporting evidence. Here are ten compelling topics:

  • Janie's quest for independence and self-fulfillment in the novel.
  • The role of gender and societal expectations in Janie's life.
  • The impact of racism and discrimination on Janie's experiences.
  • The evolution of Janie's identity throughout the story.
  • Janie's relationships and their significance in her journey.
  • Analyzing the symbolism of the horizon in the novel.
  • The portrayal of love and marriage in "Their Eyes Were Watching God."
  • Janie's defiance of societal norms as a feminist character.
  • The influence of storytelling and oral tradition in the novel.
  • The overarching theme of self-discovery in Janie's life.

🌍 "Their Eyes Were Watching God" Cause and Effect Essay

A cause and effect essay on the novel explores the factors that shape Janie's experiences and the consequences of her actions. Characteristics of this type of essay include examining causal relationships and their outcomes. Here are ten thought-provoking topics:

  • The causes and effects of Janie's three marriages.
  • How societal expectations cause Janie's internal conflict.
  • The effects of Janie's search for love and self-identity.
  • The consequences of Janie's relationships with Nanny and Joe.
  • How Janie's experiences in Eatonville impact her growth.
  • The causes of Janie's decision to leave Joe Starks.
  • Effects of Janie's return to Eatonville as a changed woman.
  • How Janie's experiences shape her perspective on love.
  • The causes and effects of Janie's final return to Eatonville.
  • Janie's journey as a reflection of broader societal changes.

🤷‍♂️ "Their Eyes Were Watching God" Opinion Essay

An opinion essay on the novel allows you to express your viewpoint on various aspects of Janie's life and the themes explored. Characteristics of this type of essay include sharing your perspective and supporting it with reasoning. Here are ten intriguing topics:

  • My personal interpretation of Janie's quest for love and identity.
  • Do I consider Janie a feminist character, and why?
  • The significance of Janie's relationships in her growth.
  • My opinion on the role of race in Janie's experiences.
  • Janie's resilience and strength as a role model for women.
  • Was Janie's final marriage a fulfillment of her dreams?
  • My perspective on the symbolism of the horizon in the novel.
  • The role of storytelling in shaping Janie's narrative.
  • My thoughts on Janie's journey as a universal human experience.
  • Is "Their Eyes Were Watching God" a timeless literary classic?

📖 "Their Eyes Were Watching God" Informative Essay

An informative essay on the novel aims to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the story's context, themes, and literary elements. Characteristics of this type of essay include presenting factual information and analysis. Here are ten informative topics:

  • Zora Neale Hurston's life and its influence on the novel.
  • The historical and cultural context of the novel's setting.
  • An analysis of Janie's character development throughout the story.
  • The significance of Eatonville as a backdrop for the narrative.
  • Themes of race, gender, and identity in the novel.
  • The symbolism of the pear tree and horizon in the story.
  • Zora Neale Hurston's use of dialect and language in the novel.
  • The narrative structure and storytelling techniques employed.
  • The literary legacy and impact of "Their Eyes Were Watching God."
  • Comparing the novel's themes to other works of African American literature.

✍️ "Their Eyes Were Watching God" Essay Example

📜 "their eyes were watching god" thesis statement examples.

1. "Zora Neale Hurston's 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' is a literary masterpiece that vividly portrays the journey of Janie Crawford toward self-discovery and empowerment, challenging societal norms and expectations along the way."

2. "The novel 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' delves into the complexities of race, gender, and identity in the early 20th century, as seen through the life and experiences of its protagonist, Janie Crawford."

3. "Through Janie's three marriages and her pursuit of love and independence, 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' explores the enduring themes of love, self-identity, and the power of resilience in the face of adversity."

4. "Zora Neale Hurston's masterful storytelling in 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' captivates readers with its rich narrative, intricate character development, and profound exploration of the human spirit."

5. "The novel 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' is a timeless work that continues to resonate with readers, offering a glimpse into the complexities of African American experiences and the universal journey toward self-realization."

📝 "Their Eyes Were Watching God" Essay Introduction Paragraph Examples

1. "In the world of literature, there are stories that not only entertain but also enlighten, stories that transcend time and place to speak to the deepest parts of the human soul. 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' by Zora Neale Hurston is one such tale, a masterpiece that immerses readers in the captivating journey of Janie Crawford, a woman whose quest for love and self-discovery defies societal norms and expectations."

2. "As we open the pages of 'Their Eyes Were Watching God,' we enter the vibrant world of Zora Neale Hurston's storytelling. It is a world where the horizon stretches endlessly, where love and identity intertwine, and where a woman named Janie Crawford embarks on a transformative journey that challenges the conventions of her time."

3. "'Their Eyes Were Watching God' is not merely a novel; it is a literary gem that invites us to explore the depths of human experience and resilience. With each page, we are drawn into the world of Janie Crawford, a woman whose life serves as a canvas for themes of love, identity, and the enduring quest for self-realization."

🔚 "Their Eyes Were Watching God" Essay Conclusion Paragraph Examples

1. "In conclusion, 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' stands as a testament to the power of literature to illuminate the human experience. Janie Crawford's journey of self-discovery and empowerment remains an enduring source of inspiration, reminding us that the pursuit of love, identity, and personal fulfillment knows no bounds."

2. "As we reflect on the pages of 'Their Eyes Were Watching God,' we are reminded of the enduring relevance of Zora Neale Hurston's storytelling. The novel's exploration of race, gender, and self-discovery continues to resonate with readers, offering a timeless narrative that invites us to question, reflect, and celebrate the complexity of the human spirit."

3. "The final pages of 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' do not mark the end of a story but the beginning of a deeper understanding of the human condition. It is a novel that invites us to keep watching, keep questioning, and keep exploring the horizons of our own lives, just as Janie Crawford did in her remarkable journey."

"Their Eyes Were Watching God": a Journey Towards Empowerment and Freedom

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Character Analysis of Janies Logan Killicks

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Their Eyes Were Watching God: Searching for Internal Identity

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Hurston's Use of Personification and Animal Imagery in Their Eyes Were Watching God

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September 18, 1937, Zora Neale Hurston

Bildungsroman

Janie Crawford, Logan Killicks, Joe "Jody" Starks, Vergible "Tea Cake" Woods

"Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston is a novel that draws inspiration from various sources, including the author's personal experiences, cultural heritage, and the African-American community of the early 20th century. Hurston, an anthropologist and writer, was deeply influenced by her upbringing in Eatonville, Florida, one of the first all-black towns in the United States. The town's vibrant community and rich oral traditions provided Hurston with a unique perspective on African-American life and culture. The novel also reflects Hurston's exploration of folklore and African-American vernacular storytelling. Her anthropological research in the Southern United States and the Caribbean contributed to her understanding of the cultural significance of oral traditions and the power of storytelling within African-American communities.

"Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston follows the life of Janie Crawford, an African-American woman on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Janie embarks on three marriages, each offering different experiences. Her first marriage to Logan Killicks is arranged by her grandmother, Nanny, for financial security. However, Janie finds herself unhappy and trapped in an unfulfilling relationship. Her second marriage to the charismatic Joe Starks brings Janie to the town of Eatonville, where they establish a successful store and Joe becomes the mayor. Yet, Janie's individuality is stifled as Joe controls her life and suppresses her dreams. After Joe's death, Janie finally finds love and fulfillment in her relationship with Tea Cake, a younger man. They move to the Everglades, where Janie experiences a newfound sense of freedom and happiness. However, their relationship faces challenges when a hurricane strikes, leading to Tea Cake's tragic demise.

"Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston is primarily set in the rural towns of Eatonville and the Everglades in Florida during the early 20th century. Eatonville, a real town founded by African Americans, serves as a backdrop for the story. It represents a unique community where African-American residents can govern themselves and cultivate their own traditions and identity. The setting of Eatonville highlights themes of empowerment, self-governance, and the search for autonomy within a segregated society. The Everglades, on the other hand, provides a contrasting backdrop to the structured environment of Eatonville. The natural landscape of the Everglades is characterized by its untamed wilderness, dense vegetation, and unpredictable climate. It symbolizes a place of liberation and freedom, where the characters can connect with nature and explore their inner selves away from societal constraints.

One of the central themes is the quest for self-discovery and identity. The protagonist, Janie Crawford, embarks on a journey of self-realization, seeking love, independence, and fulfillment beyond societal expectations. Her pursuit of personal freedom and individuality challenges the traditional gender roles and cultural norms of the era. Another theme is the exploration of love and relationships. Hurston delves into the complexities of love, presenting various types of relationships and their effects on individuals. Through Janie's experiences with different partners, the novel examines the dynamics of love, including passion, companionship, and the quest for a fulfilling emotional connection. The theme of racial and gender inequality is also prominent. Hurston sheds light on the struggles faced by African Americans in the early 20th century, addressing the social and cultural barriers they encountered. Janie's journey reflects the intersectionality of race and gender, highlighting the challenges and resilience of African American women in a discriminatory society. Lastly, the theme of nature and spirituality is woven throughout the narrative. Hurston incorporates elements of folklore and mythology, emphasizing the connection between individuals and the natural world. The portrayal of nature as a source of solace, wisdom, and healing underscores the characters' spiritual growth and the importance of embracing one's roots.

One prominent literary device in the novel is the use of dialect and vernacular language. Hurston skillfully incorporates the distinctive speech patterns and idioms of the characters, particularly those of the African American community in the rural South. This authentic representation of language adds richness to the storytelling and immerses readers in the cultural context of the characters. For example, characters like Pheoby Watson and Tea Cake speak in dialect, such as Tea Cake's line, "You'se de prize for all our black women." Another literary device employed is symbolism. Hurston uses symbols to convey deeper meanings and themes. For instance, the pear tree symbolizes Janie's blossoming sexuality and desire for love and fulfillment. The hurricane symbolizes chaos and destruction but also serves as a catalyst for change and rebirth. These symbols add layers of depth to the narrative, allowing readers to interpret the story on both a literal and symbolic level. The narrative structure is another notable literary device in the novel. Hurston uses a nonlinear timeline, employing flashbacks and storytelling techniques to weave together Janie's past and present experiences. This nonlinear structure mirrors the nonlinear nature of memory and reflects the complexities of Janie's journey of self-discovery. Additionally, the use of vivid imagery brings the settings and characters to life. Hurston's evocative descriptions create a sensory experience for the readers, immersing them in the lush landscapes of Eatonville and the harsh realities of the Everglades. Through vivid imagery, readers can visualize the scenes and empathize with the characters' experiences.

One notable representation of the novel is the 2005 television film adaptation directed by Darnell Martin. Starring Halle Berry as Janie Crawford, the film received critical acclaim for its faithful portrayal of the characters and themes. It captured the essence of Janie's journey of self-discovery and the challenges she faced in navigating love, identity, and societal expectations. The adaptation brought the rich dialogue and vibrant settings of the novel to life, showcasing the beauty of the Southern landscape and the complexities of the characters' relationships. Another representation of "Their Eyes Were Watching God" is the stage play adaptation by Seret Scott. This theatrical adaptation, performed in various theaters, offers a live experience of the story, allowing audiences to witness the emotional depth of the characters and the power of the dialogue in real-time. The stage adaptation highlights the resilience and strength of Janie as she navigates her path towards personal fulfillment and liberation.

"Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston has had a significant influence on literature and African-American culture. Since its publication in 1937, the novel has become a seminal work of the Harlem Renaissance, showcasing the experiences and voices of African-American women. One of the key influences of "Their Eyes Were Watching God" is its portrayal of a strong and independent female protagonist. The character of Janie Crawford defied societal norms of the time and became a symbol of empowerment for many readers. Her journey of self-discovery and pursuit of love and fulfillment challenged traditional gender roles and inspired subsequent generations of writers and feminists. The novel also had a profound impact on African-American literature. Hurston's use of African-American Vernacular English (AAVE) and her incorporation of folklore and cultural elements contributed to the development of an authentic and distinct African-American literary voice. Her lyrical prose and vivid descriptions of the Southern setting created a rich and immersive reading experience. Moreover, "Their Eyes Were Watching God" revitalized interest in the folklore and oral traditions of African-American communities. Hurston's anthropological background and her incorporation of African-American folktales and storytelling techniques helped to preserve and celebrate African-American cultural heritage.

"Their Eyes Were Watching God" is an important literary work that deserves careful examination and analysis through essay writing. This novel by Zora Neale Hurston holds a significant place in the canon of African-American literature and explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and the power dynamics of race and gender. Through the journey of the protagonist, Janie Crawford, readers are exposed to the complexities of African-American life in the early 20th century. By delving into the rich layers of this novel, an essay writer can explore the ways in which Hurston challenges societal norms and gives voice to African-American women who have often been marginalized and silenced. The vivid descriptions, vibrant characters, and powerful use of language in the novel provide ample material for analysis, enabling writers to examine literary devices, narrative techniques, and thematic significance. Furthermore, "Their Eyes Were Watching God" offers valuable insights into the historical and cultural context of the time, shedding light on the experiences of African-Americans and the struggles they faced in a racially segregated society. Through an essay, one can delve into the social, political, and cultural implications of the novel, exploring its lasting impact and relevance in contemporary discussions of race, gender, and identity.

"We’se uh mingled people and all of us got black kinfolks as well as yaller kinfolks." "Anyone who looked more white folkish than herself was better than she was in her criteria, therefore it was right they should be cruel to her at times…. Like the pecking order in a chicken yard." "De ones de white man knows is nice colored folks. De ones he don’t know is bad niggers." "Janie is wherever Ah wants tuh be. Dat’s de kind uh wife she is and Ah love her for it. Ah wouldn’t be knockin’ her around. Ah didn’t wants whup her last night, but ol’ Mis’ Turner done send for her brother tuh come bait Janie in and take her away from me. Ah didn’t whup Jane ‘cause she done nothin’. Ah beat her tuh show dem Turners who is boss." "What dat ole forty year ole ʼoman doin’ wid her hair swingin’ down her back lak some young gal?"

1. Bloom, H. (Ed.). (2008). Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God (Bloom's Modern Critical Interpretations). Infobase Publishing. 2. Boyd, V. (1989). Harlem and the Women Writers: Their Eyes Were Watching God and the Harlem Renaissance. American Literature, 61(4), 645-661. 3. Davis, C. (1993). "Singing Over the Bones": The Western Scarred Female Hero in Their Eyes Were Watching God. African American Review, 27(2), 211-218. 4. Gates, H. L. (1986). Their eyes were watching God: The black woman's burden. Critical Inquiry, 12(1), 209-225. 5. Hemenway, R. E. (Ed.). (1977). Zora Neale Hurston: A Literary Biography. University of Illinois Press. 6. Hurston, Z. N. (1990). Their Eyes Were Watching God. Harper Perennial Modern Classics. 7. Meisenhelder, S. (1999). Voice and interiority in Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God. African American Review, 33(2), 231-244. 8. Minter, D. (1993). The Relationship of Self and Environment in Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God. African American Review, 27(4), 585-596. 9. Pfeifer, M. C. (2000). Their Eyes Were Watching God: The Reinvention of Self. African American Review, 34(4), 639-655. 10. Walker, K. (2007). A Sermon in the Eye: Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God and the Sacrifice of Narrative Authority. Mosaic: A Journal for the Interdisciplinary Study of Literature, 40(2), 71-88.

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their eyes were watching god essay

their eyes were watching god essay

Their Eyes Were Watching God

Zora neale hurston, ask litcharts ai: the answer to your questions.

Welcome to the LitCharts study guide on Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God . Created by the original team behind SparkNotes, LitCharts are the world's best literature guides.

Their Eyes Were Watching God: Introduction

Their eyes were watching god: plot summary, their eyes were watching god: detailed summary & analysis, their eyes were watching god: themes, their eyes were watching god: quotes, their eyes were watching god: characters, their eyes were watching god: symbols, their eyes were watching god: theme wheel, brief biography of zora neale hurston.

Their Eyes Were Watching God PDF

Historical Context of Their Eyes Were Watching God

Other books related to their eyes were watching god.

  • Full Title: Their Eyes Were Watching God
  • When Written: 1936-1937
  • Where Written: Hurston wrote Their Eyes Were Watching God while doing fieldwork in Haiti in 1936-1937.
  • When Published: 1937
  • Literary Period: Hurston's work coincided historically with the Harlem Renaissance, though she is actually known for diverging with the politics and ideologies of many writers of the movement, including Langston Hughes, Richard Wright and Ralph Ellison. In particular, Huston identified as a Republican and actively spoke against many Harlem Renaissance writers' support of the New Deal and Communism.
  • Genre: Novel
  • Setting: The American South in the early 20th century. The novel takes place most centrally in Eatonville, Florida and in the Everglades.
  • Climax: The climax of the novel arguably unfolds in Chapter 18, during the hurricane. It is in this scene that Janie and Tea Cake are situated in clear opposition to the forces of nature, and find themselves fighting against the will of God for survival.
  • Antagonist: Janie's first two husbands, Logan Killicks and Jody Starks, are disrespectful and abusive partners, effectively situating them as Janie's antagonists for the first half of the book. In the second half, Mrs. Turner functions as an antagonist to both Tea Cake and Janie, expressing her racist views against black people to both of them and alienating Tea Cake in particular by suggesting that Janie leave him for her lighter skinned brother.
  • Point of View: The novel is Janie's life-story, told to Pheoby Watson by Janie herself. However, throughout the novel, a third-person omniscient narrator interrupts Janie's narrations and direct presentations of characters' speech. The narrator's mode of speaking is distinctly literary in contrast to the Southern dialect of the other characters, but is nonetheless influenced by the language and imagery of the characters and their world.

Extra Credit for Their Eyes Were Watching God

Political leanings. Hurston famously spoke against the Supreme Court’s ruling the Brown vs. Board of Education case (1954), arguing simply that segregation in schools did not preclude black children from getting an equal education. This kind of attitude speaks to Hurston’s right-leaning politics.

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Their Eyes Were Watching God

By zora neale hurston, their eyes were watching god essay questions.

Analyze Hurston's personification of Death and of Doubt. Why does she capitalize these two abstract concepts?

Consider Janie's three husbands seperately. What distinguishes them from one another? What do characteristics do they share?

How does the mule's treatment in Eatonville reflect the condition of the black female? Does Joe's gesture of buying him have symbolic value?

How does the porch work as a personified symbol? Trace its use throughout the novel.

Does this novel have a moral? What attitudes does Hurston prescribe towards race? Money? Family?

Is Nanny a sympathetic character? Is Janie's abandonment of her justified?

At what point does the division between men's activities and women's activities break down? Which activities where formerly designated as male activities?

Why did Hurston include Mrs. Turner in the novel? Were Tea Cake and his friends' attack on her cafe justified?

Who does the pronoun in the title refer to? Janie and Tea Cake? African-Americans in general? Explain how the title relates to the content of the novel.

Is Hurston's vision of God religious or secular? Do her characters view him as merciful or vengeful?

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Their Eyes Were Watching God Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for Their Eyes Were Watching God is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

Nature, in the form of buzzards, is able to articulate Janie's rage, and speak for the mule. The chief buzzard is seems like a religious figure; Hurston refers to him as the Parson. When the Parson asks what killed the mule, the other buzzard's...

What is the difference between men and women, according to the text,

I would say the closest is:

  • Men are often secretly scared and self-doubting, whereas women are bold and brave

What kind of death has Janie witnessed?

Janie sees Joe's death. He died from kidney failure.

Study Guide for Their Eyes Were Watching God

Their Eyes Were Watching God study guide contains a biography of Zora Neale Hurston, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

  • About Their Eyes Were Watching God
  • Their Eyes Were Watching God Summary
  • Character List

Essays for Their Eyes Were Watching God

Their Eyes Were Watching God literature essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Their Eyes Were Watching God.

  • The Importance of Dreams
  • Getting in Touch with the Feminine Side
  • Living for Yourself in Their Eyes Were Watching God
  • Their Eyes Were Watching God: Double Consciousness as an Indicator of Growth
  • A Voice of Abandonment

Lesson Plan for Their Eyes Were Watching God

  • About the Author
  • Study Objectives
  • Common Core Standards
  • Introduction to Their Eyes Were Watching God
  • Relationship to Other Books
  • Bringing in Technology
  • Notes to the Teacher
  • Related Links
  • Their Eyes Were Watching God Bibliography

Wikipedia Entries for Their Eyes Were Watching God

  • Introduction
  • Plot synopsis
  • Inspirations and influences

their eyes were watching god essay

Themes and Analysis

Their eyes were watching god, by zora neale hurston.

‘Their Eyes Were Watching God’ by Zora Neale Hurston carries a range of themes based on the time period within which the book is concentrated on. Among these themes are those bordering on love, desire for freedom, selfhood, and equality - as well as themes on gender roles and racial prejudices.

Victor Onuorah

Article written by Victor Onuorah

Degree in Journalism from University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

The reader gets to see the majority of these themes play out in the life of Janie Crawford – who takes up the mantle as the main act in Zora Neale Hurston’s ‘ Their Eyes Were Watching God. ’ Zora starts off her adventure as a teenager who is not afraid to be different but returns as a woman who is more experienced with life after having to endure the challenges and hardships across three marriages. The most frontal themes in the book will be discussed.

Love, Acceptance, and Appreciation 

Janie Crawford’s journey in ‘ Their Eyes Were Watching God ’ begins and ends with her search for a marital relationship where she would share with her spouse true love, be accepted and appreciated by him, and not just see her as just another belonging or property. Unfortunately for the times in which she lives, these qualities are rare in men, and so it takes her three marriages to find something close to these.

A desire for Freedom, Selfhood, and Equality

With Janie entering her first two marriages – first with Logan Killicks and later with Jody Starks – she doesn’t get the freedom to be herself, nor does she enjoy independence or selfhood in the marriage. Talks of equality are even a joke with her first two spouses – who can’t see her being anything more than just a mere housewife, one who has little to no respect, zero decision-making, and zero purposes except the obvious – being a housewife. She can’t settle for such a life and seeks freedom from it, the result of which often ends in her separation from them.

Negative Gender Roles

The social and political clime in ‘ Their Eyes Were Watching God ’ already has an underlying negative gender stereotype slapped on the women in the book’s reality – in which case they are reduced to playing the role of housewives, not allowed to have a meaningful impact in the decision making of the family while not also allowed to have and pursue their dreams.

Racial Injustice 

Throughout the book, there are bits and pieces of racial conflicts and issues, and although Hurston’s interest is not to focus too much on this subject, it is clearly exhibited by a number of frontal characters like Mrs. Turner.

Key Moments in ‘Their Eyes Were Watching God’

  • Janie returns to Eatonville in shabby apparel and without Tea Cake, her husband. 
  • Ignoring the villagers and their judging eyes, she tells her best friend Phoeby the truth about what had happened to her.
  • In her story, she takes us back to how her birth mother abandons her, and she’s raised by Nanny, her grandmother. 
  • Nanny marries her off to Logan Killicks, a potato farmer, twice her age and controlling. 
  • She leaves him, runs off, and marries Joe Starks for the next 20 years – settling at Eatonville. 
  • Ambitious Joe gains fame, makes a fortune in business, and becomes the mayor – but still controls and doesn’t allow Janie the independence and support that she needs. 
  • She leaves him after he beats her following an argument. She doesn’t return until she hears Joe is on his deathbed.
  • Less than a year after Joe dies, Janie weds Tea Cake and finds the true love and best treatment that she’s always wanted. 
  • She sells Joe’s investments to go live with Tea Cake in Jacksonville. 
  • Tea Cake steals her money, runs away, returns back, and apologies. Janie forgives him.
  • They move to Everglades, make friends, and live happily until a disastrous hurricane blows through their village. 
  • A mad dog bites Tea Cake, and he falls sick and accuses Janie of cheating. 
  • Tea Cake gets a gun to kill Janie but is instead killed by her. 
  • Janie faces a trial for murder but is acquitted on account of self-defense. 
  • She returns home to Eatonville with the satisfaction of having tasted the kind of freedom and independence her time with Tea Cake exposed her to. 

Style and Tone

Zora Neale Hurston is known to have, as her general writing style, a knack for infusing informal, demotic expressions peculiar to African Americans who dwelled in the South at the time. In ‘ Their Eyes We’re Watching God ,’ she replicates this style – building her major plots from black folklore while burnishing them with colloquial wit and feminist mentality. In terms of tone, there is a range of variety thrown in by Hurston – with the more prominent tone being that of empathy and affinity, as these are what the author feels towards the events going down around her primary character, Janie Crawford .

Figurative Languages 

Figurative expressions abound in Zora Neale Hurston’s ‘ Their Eyes Were Watching God ,’ however, some of the commonest found in the book includes – simile and metaphors.  

For simile, the expression below suffices to offer a better depth to the scenario Hurston tried to describe:

‘The morning road air was like a new dress.’

The quote above is one of several expressions of simile opted for by Hurston in her book ‘ Their Eyes Were Watching God ,’ as she makes further portrays Janie’s positive state of mind after her separation from her first husband Logan Killicks.

Analysis of Symbols in ‘Their Eyes Were Watching God’

The chair .

The chair used in Hurston’s ‘ Their Eyes Were Watching God ’ represents the class system in the book’s reality, and although this is merely portrayed throughout the book, Janie’s time with the ambitious Joe Starks is essentially more remembered for this.

The Hurricane

The hurricane that hits Everglades, disrupting the lives of its dwellers – Janie and Tea Cake included – connotes the chaos and destruction that unexpectedly happens in life, and it just so happens when the couple is having a nice peaceful life together.

Janie’s Long Hair

Janie’s Caucasian hair is one of her most prized physical attributes that makes her very beautiful and wanted by a lot of her male suitors.

Does Janie Crawford ever get to see her mother in ‘ Their Eyes Were Watching God ’?

Sadly, the book’s protagonist, Janie Crawford, doesn’t get to see her mother, Leafy, a troubled and traumatized woman whose readers are to flee from home shortly after Janie’s birth. 

What is the predominant theme in Zora Neale Hurston’s ‘ Their Eyes Were Watching God’ ?

The search for selfhood and true love are among the frontal themes of Zora Neale Hurston’s ‘ Their Eyes Were Watching God ’ as it tells the story of a young woman who ventured across three marriages in search of true love and freedom to achieve her passions. 

What writing style does Hurston use in ‘ Their Eyes Were Watching God ’? 

Zora Neale Hurston mostly deployed a combination of three styles: standard English, southern colloquial wits, and black American vernacular for her writings – which were a lot of times based on black people’s experiences through slavery and the civil war. 

What does Janie’s long hair symbolize?

Janie’s long hair represents her beauty and is the object of attraction for most men. She takes pride in them and wants to show them off to the world any chance she gets.

What is the tone of ‘ Their Eyes Were Watching God ’?

The book’s tone is generally of empathy and understanding, as the narrator is quick to argue in her defence and share her sentiments. 

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Their Eyes Were Watching God

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55 pages • 1 hour read

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Discussion Questions

Compare Janie’s three marriages. How does each relationship shape her understanding of herself? How does each advance her quest for the love she envisioned beneath the pear tree?

Discuss the different types of discourse in the novel. How do these versions of English add to characterization and play off each other?

Consider the novel’s structure. Why does Hurston relate Janie’s story in an embedded narrative? What does the narrative frame add to the reader’s experience of the novel?

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84 Their Eyes Were Watching God Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best their eyes were watching god topic ideas & essay examples, 📌 most interesting their eyes were watching god topics to write about, 👍 good research topics about their eyes were watching god, ❓ their eyes were watching god essay questions.

  • Tea Cake and Janie in Their Eyes Were Watching God – an Integral Character The role of Tea Cake remains to be crucial in the story as well as in the whole life of Janie as his passion, creativity, and desire to create the best living conditions promote safety […]
  • Their Eyes Were Watching God: Summary, Main Themes, and Evaluation In this essay, the summary of the narrative and description of the main characters and themes will be provided. The protagonist of the story, Janie Crawford, is a very na ve and dreamy girl who […] We will write a custom essay specifically for you by our professional experts 808 writers online Learn More
  • The Life of Zora Neale Hurston As Hurston later glorifies in her literary works, the town was the first to offer African Americans the chance to live freely and independent of the Whites, as they desired.
  • Zora Neale Hurston: Their Eyes Were Watching God One of the peculiar features of the work is the form chosen by the author. Just like a mule, Janie is forced to work in the field with her husband.
  • One Woman’s Search for her Self-Identity. A Review of Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston Janie’s maturity of voice is a direct indicator of her inner growth, and the activities at the courtroom may be plotted too much as to draw the parallels in her inner self.
  • Jody Sparks in Hurston’s “Their Eyes Were Watching God” Joe’s entry into Janie’s life is at an appropriate moment, since Janie is on the verge of breaking up with her former husband due to mistreatment, and Joe creates the opportunity that Janie has been […]
  • Review of “Their Eyes Were Watching God” Book The paper will discuss how Hurston exemplifies the Harlem movement in her book.’Their Eyes Were Watching God is an award-winning novel first published in the late 1930s and is considered one of the classics of […]
  • Identity in Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God In the story, the author offered a comprehensive discussion of identity, its elements, importance, and relation to modernism. These two elements contribute to the fact that a person has a particular position in society, and […]
  • Janie’s Search for Her Freedom and Independence in Their Eyes Were Watching God by Z. N. Hurston Though Janie does not feel her duty to clear out herself, she explains the story of her life to her friend. The reader observes the development of Janie’s character and the changes in her attitude […]
  • African American Studies. “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Hurston Janie’s appreciation of her independence is depicted when she refuses to be bound to Logan for the rest of her life because of material things.
  • “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora N. Hurston When Janie decides to move in with Tea Cake, she secretly conceals two hundred dollars in her shirt pocket, and fears to reveal the secret to Tea Cake. Tea Cake’s role in the novel is […]
  • The Use of Symbolism and Metaphors in “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Hurston
  • The Use of Silence to Gain Power, and Power to Gain Voice in “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston
  • True Love in “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston
  • The Transformation of Janie in “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston
  • The Significance of the Blue Dress in Hurston’s “Their Eyes Were Watching God” and “Seraph on the Suwa”
  • The Struggle for Fulfillment in “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston
  • Woman’s Search for Identity in Hurston’s “Seraph on the Suwanee” and “Their Eyes Were Watching God”
  • The Sentiment of Oprah, Not Hurston in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”
  • The Love and Relationship Dynamic in “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston
  • The Life of American Women in Zora Neale Hurston’s “Their Eyes Were Watching God”
  • The Dilemma of Control in “Their Eyes Were Watching God” and “Stranger in a Strange Land”
  • The Life and Education of Zora Neale Hurston and Her Literary Work “Their Eyes Were Watching God”
  • The Theme of the Individuality and Strength of Women in “Their Eyes Were Watching God” and “The Woman Warrior”
  • What It Was Like to Live as a Black Woman in Zora Neale Hurston’s “Their Eyes Were Watching God”
  • The Harlem Renaissance in “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston
  • The Use of Motifs of Settings, Language, and Symbols in “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston
  • The Problem of the Female: Marriage and “Sistergirl” Relationships in Zora Neale Hurston’s “Their Eyes Were Watching God”
  • The Use of Southern Language and Dialect in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”
  • The Unimportance of Riches in a Relationship, Portrayed in Zora Neale Hurston’s “Their Eyes Were Watching God”
  • The Literary Symbols of Racial Health in “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston
  • The Meaning of Love and Marriage in “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston
  • The Issue of Domestic Violence in Zora Neale Hurston’s Novel “Their Eyes Were Watching God”
  • The Three Marriages and Three Lessons in Hurston’s Book “Their Eyes Were Watching God”
  • Voice and Language in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”
  • The Role of Female as Explored in “The House of Mirth” and “Their Eyes Were Watching God”
  • The Discrimination of Blacks by Whites in the Novel “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston
  • Zora Hurston’s “Their Eyes Were Watching God” as a Creation Story
  • The Depiction of Marriage in “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston
  • Tone Analysis From a Passage in “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston
  • The Concept of Idea in “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston
  • The Value of Silence in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”
  • The Maturity of Janie Through Her Marriage to Logan Killicks in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”
  • The Use of Clothing in the Novel “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston
  • The Theme of Friendship in Hurston’s “Their Eyes Were Watching God”
  • Universal Themes of Womanhood Nora Zeale Hurston’s “Their Eyes Were Watching God”
  • Women’s Inferiority to Men in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”
  • Use of Metaphors in “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Hurston
  • The Effects of Attitudes in “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston
  • The Human Nature’s Quest for Happiness in “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston
  • Wright’s Critiques on Hurston’s “Their Eyes Were Watching God”
  • The Need for Power and Recognition of Joe in “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston
  • The Imagery of Creation Myths in “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston
  • Using Vernacular to Reflect Self Image in Zora Neale Hurston’s “Their Eyes Were Watching God”
  • In What Ways Does Janie Violate Typical Gender Boundaries in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
  • How Does Janie Develop Her Ideas of Love in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
  • Why Do People Today Love “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
  • How Does Love Influence Our Lives in the Story of “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
  • What Are Traditional Stereotypes of Men and Women in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
  • In What Ways Does Janie Fit the Typical Feminine Stereotype in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
  • Is “Their Eyes Were Watching God” Primarily an Anti-Racism Novel?
  • How Does Janie’s Identity Vacillate Between White and Black Factions in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
  • To What Extent Is Janie’s Life Already Determined at Birth in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
  • How Did Slaves’ Positions as a Sub-Class, Those Not Considered Human at All, Affect Nanny’s Outlook on Life?
  • Does Joe Succeed in Achieving His Goals in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
  • Why Does Janie Feel So Trapped in Her First Two Marriages in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
  • How Is Race Generally Linked to Class in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
  • Why Is Janie Happy Living With the Lowest of the Low Social Classes – The Migrant Workers in the Everglades?
  • What Is the Significance of the Title “Their Eyes Were Watching God” to the Novel?
  • Does Tea Cake Free Janie or Is It Just the Escape From Her First Two Husbands in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
  • Why Did Hurston Include Mrs. Turner in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
  • How Is Death Associated With Freedom, Especially in Janie’s Last Two Marriages in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
  • What Does the Idea of the Horizon Symbolize for Janie in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
  • How Does Janie’s Experience Under the Pear Tree Set Up Her Dreams in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
  • What Role Does Mrs. Turner Play in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
  • How Do Janie’s Visions and Hopes for Her Future Differ From the Hopes of Her Peers in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
  • What Is the Role of the Porch Sitters in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
  • How Does the Mule’s Treatment in Eatonville Reflect the Condition of the Black Female in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
  • Is There a Moral in the Novel “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
  • How Does the Porch Work as a Personified Symbol in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
  • Is Nanny a Sympathetic Character in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
  • At What Point Does the Division Between Men’s Activities and Women’s Activities Break Down in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
  • Who Does the Pronoun in the Title Refer to in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
  • Is Hurston’s Vision of God Religious or Secular in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
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Their Eyes were Watching God Literary Analysis

This essay will provide a literary analysis of Zora Neale Hurston’s novel “Their Eyes Were Watching God.” It will explore the novel’s themes of love, independence, and self-discovery, as experienced by the protagonist Janie Crawford. The piece will analyze Hurston’s narrative style, use of dialect, and the symbolism throughout the novel. It will also discuss the novel’s portrayal of gender roles and racial identity in the early 20th-century American South. On PapersOwl, there’s also a selection of free essay templates associated with Analysis.

How it works

In Zora Neale Hurston’s contemporary novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God, she displays the fight between freedom and societal pressures. The author illustrates the struggles black women face growing up in the mid-thirties when discrimination and unequal rights existed. Throughout the novel, Hurston displays to women the importance of gaining self -realization and independence. Hurston shows women’s struggle to gain what they deem important in a controlling marriage. In the novel, Janie notices a stranger, Joe Starks, because he “spoke for far horizon.

” The horizon represents hope for ideas Janie sees as unattainable, such as true love. Janie blames her Nanny for pinching the horizon so small it could “choke her.” Janie believes her chances at living happily in an equal partnership have been stripped away from her, leaving her to spend the rest of her years in submission.

Hurston uses the horizon to show her audience that in order for self- actualization to occur, one must have the freedom to figure out what they need from life. Self- realization allows people to reflect on what they value most and gain the independence to achieve it. While gazing at a pear tree’s beauty, Janie concludes “this is marriage.” She connects sexual desire with a successful marriage. Janie felt no passion for her first husband, and thus she considered it a failure. Throughout the novel, she uses sexual attraction as an indicator of whether she has reached the horizon. Hurston uses the pear tree as an image of love and desire to show women forced into marriage become restrained from realizing their rights, such as having sexual desires.

Without freedom, females do not gain the independence needed to realize what they value in relationships and life. Janie’s second husband, Joe forces her to hide her hair because it exists “for him to look at.” He uses Janie’s hair as a way to keep her under his control. After Joe’s death, she decides to take down her hair, symbolizing her new found control. The author uses the image of her hair to emphasize the suppression of females in relationships that do not allow for self-reliance. Hurston emphasizes that without securing independence, women will live a life of obedience and will not gain equality. Through the use of emotional manipulation and confinement, Hurston emphasizes women’s struggle for independence.

During Janie’s marriage to Logan, he described her place as “wherever Ah need yuh.” Logan restrains Janie’s freedoms and opportunities: he confines her capabilities to only what he sees of her. Hurston demonstrates that confinement of one’s abilities will keep them in permanent submission. She uses this to emphasize the physical and emotional power men yield over women, depriving females the independence to progress. Towards the end of Janie’s second marriage, Joe started to comment on her aging appearance. Janie “saw he was hurting inside”, so she decided to endure his rude remarks. Hurston uses Janie’s passiveness to show her audience how emotional manipulation can restrict a person from sharing their thoughts of turmoil.

Only when a person freely expresses themselves can they change their situation. Hurston emphasizes that women must realize their self worth in order to see their full potential. After a fight, Janie reveals she’d “rather be dead” than have Joe think she would hurt him. Hurston shows the loss of Janie’s principles and heavy influence on women to put their husband’s feelings first. Hurston stresses the struggle for women to capture power in a manipulative and controlling relationship. The author highlights that independence and self-realization compose the keys to satisfaction with one’s life choices.

Throughout the novel, Hurston uses manipulation and restriction to show the struggle of women to gain self-actualization and utter acceptance. Hurston compares the character’s relationships in order to show the continuous effects of oppression in women. In Janie’s first marriage, Logan complains about her work ethic saying, “You think youse white folks.” Logan forces Janie to do labor work and does not allow her to speak back to him. Hurston uses the character Logan to show discrimination of black women: Logan stereotypes black females as more labor tolerant individuals. Hurston emphasizes that black women are less respected and considered disrespectful if they disagree.

The author shows a lack of independence allows for discrimination and suppression for a group of people. In Janie’s second marriage, the longest one, her husband believes “somebody got to think for women.” Janie’s husband does not allow for her to speak and keeps her working in the store. Hurston uses the second marriage to show the repetition of oppression among women. She uses the marriage to show that men consider women inferior and ignorant. Hurston highlights the need for self-actualization and independence to reach equality. In contrast, Janie’s marriage to Tea Cake allowed her to gain independence and arrive at the horizon. Tea Cake remains thankful for Janie because she came “along and made something’ outta” him. Tea Cake allows Janie to voice her opinions, make decisions, and experience real affection. She found her true love in a marriage that allowed her to exist as her own person and reflect on the past. Hurston compares this marriage to the previous two to show the effects of gaining independence and control. Hurston emphasizes that women must have self-actualization in order to end oppression and establish equality among men and women.

In Their Eyes Were Watching God, Hurston displays the struggle for independence for women. Hurston displays the life of light-skinned Janie Crawford, who struggles in her life through three marriages and oppression. However, Janie remains appreciative for her life and takes a lesson from each marriage as she evolves to better herself. The author uses the marriages and the characters to show how suppression prevents women from growing and gaining equality. Hurston wrote the novel in order to show women the importance of gaining self-realization and independence.   

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  1. Their Eyes Were Watching God: A+ Student Essay

    Janie, the protagonist of Zora Neale Hurston's novel Their Eyes Were Watching God, is often identified as a feminist character. While she is certainly an independent woman who believes in the equality of the sexes, Janie does not lead a typically feminist existence throughout the novel. Largely because of her relationships with the three key ...

  2. Essays on Their Eyes Were Watching God

    🔚 "Their Eyes Were Watching God" Essay Conclusion Paragraph Examples. 1. "In conclusion, 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' stands as a testament to the power of literature to illuminate the human experience. Janie Crawford's journey of self-discovery and empowerment remains an enduring source of inspiration, reminding us that the pursuit of ...

  3. Their Eyes Were Watching God Critical Essays

    I. Thesis Statement: The setting in the novel Their Eyes Were Watching God is directly related to the hierarchy of power that each location uses. II. Janie's pear tree. A. The revelation is ...

  4. Zora Neale Hurston: Their Eyes Were Watching God Essay (Book Review)

    The essay on Their Eyes Were Watching God shall analyze Hurston's story about African American women in 1930s. One of the peculiar features of the work is the form chosen by the author. Hurston begins and ends the story with one and the same setting and people. The main character, Janie, tells the story of her life to one of her friends ...

  5. Their Eyes Were Watching God: Mini Essays

    One of the most interesting aspects of Their Eyes Were Watching God is Hurston's interweaving of Standard Written English on the part of the narrator and early twentieth-century Southern Black vernacular speech on the part of her characters. The extended passages of dialogue celebrate the language of Southern Black people, presenting a type of authentic voice not often seen in literature.

  6. Their Eyes Were Watching God Analysis

    New Masses 25 (October 5, 1937): 22, 25. A diatribe against Their Eyes Were Watching God by the soon-to-be-famous Black American novelist. Wright accuses Hurston of contributing to almost every ...

  7. Their Eyes Were Watching God Study Guide

    Historical Context of Their Eyes Were Watching God. Following the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, many all-black towns began to emerge in the South in the United States, and were soon incorporated into the nation officially. Eatonville, Florida is one such town, incorporated into the U.S. on August 15, 1887, and is known in particular as ...

  8. Their Eyes Were Watching God: Study Guide

    Zora Neale Hurston 's Their Eyes Were Watching God, published in 1937, is a novel that explores the journey of Janie Mae Crawford, a Black woman living in the early 20th century. The narrative is framed as Janie's reflection on her life, recounting her experiences and relationships to her friend Pheoby. Janie's quest for self-discovery ...

  9. Their Eyes Were Watching God

    Critical Overview. When Their Eyes Were Watching God first appeared, it was warmly received by white critics. Lucille Tompkins of the New York Times Book Review called it "a well-nigh perfect ...

  10. Introduction (Chapter 1)

    IN Dust Tracks on a Road, an autobiography written at the urging of her editor, Bertram Lippincott, Zora Neale Hurston expresses some dissatisfaction with her second novel, Their Eyes Were Watch ing God, which was published in 1937. She says of the novel: I wrote "Their Eyes Were Watching God" in Haiti. It was dammed up in me, and I wrote ...

  11. Their Eyes Were Watching God Essays

    Their Eyes Were Watching God. "It [the tiny bloom] had called her to come and gaze on a mystery. From barren brown stems to glistening leaf-buds; from the leaf-buds to snowy virginity of bloom. It stirred her tremendously" (13). Zora Neale Hurston, an African-American author,...

  12. Power, Judgment, and Narrative in a Work of Zora Neale Hurston

    2 The Personal Dimension in Their Eyes Were Watching God; 3 "Crayon Enlargements of Life": Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God as Autobiography; 4 The Politics of Fiction, Anthropology, and the Folk: Zora Neale Hurston; 5 Power, Judgment, and Narrative in a Work of Zora Neale Hurston: Feminist Cultural Studies; Notes on ...

  13. Their Eyes Were Watching God Essay Questions

    The Question and Answer section for Their Eyes Were Watching God is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel. chapter 6. Nature, in the form of buzzards, is able to articulate Janie's rage, and speak for the mule. The chief buzzard is seems like a religious figure; Hurston refers to him as the Parson.

  14. Their Eyes Were Watching God Themes and Analysis

    By Zora Neale Hurston. 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' by Zora Neale Hurston carries a range of themes based on the time period within which the book is concentrated on. Among these themes are those bordering on love, desire for freedom, selfhood, and equality - as well as themes on gender roles and racial prejudices. Introduction. Summary.

  15. Their Eyes Were Watching God: Full Book Analysis

    Their Eyes Were Watching God tells the story of Janie's passage from repression to spiritual fulfillment as she clashes with the expectations thrust upon her by others. Inspired by the revelation she received as a teenager after watching a blissful union between a bee and flower, Janie elevates marriage and love in her mind as the highest ...

  16. Major Themes of Their Eyes Were Watching God

    Learn about the major themes of Janie's search for true love and independence in Zora Neale Hurston's novel. Explore how Janie experiences different kinds of love and how she endures the judgments of others in her quest for freedom.

  17. Their Eyes Were Watching God Essays and Criticism

    "Their Eyes Were Watching God - The Confluence of Folklore, Feminism, and Black Self-Determination in Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God." Novels for Students, Vol. 3.

  18. New Essays on Their Eyes Were Watching God

    After decades of relegation to the margins of American literary history, Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God has recently been rediscovered by American literary and cultural scholars who have begun to explore the novel's thematic, ideological, and aesthetic complexity.

  19. Their Eyes Were Watching God Essay Topics

    Thanks for exploring this SuperSummary Study Guide of "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston. A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to ...

  20. 84 Their Eyes Were Watching God Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

    Their Eyes Were Watching God: Summary, Main Themes, and Evaluation. In this essay, the summary of the narrative and description of the main characters and themes will be provided. The protagonist of the story, Janie Crawford, is a very na ve and dreamy girl who […] We will write.

  21. Their Eyes were Watching God Literary Analysis

    In Zora Neale Hurston's contemporary novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God, she displays the fight between freedom and societal pressures. The author illustrates the struggles black women face growing up in the mid-thirties when discrimination and unequal rights existed. Throughout the novel, Hurston displays to women the importance of gaining ...

  22. What Does Their Eyes Were Watching God Mean

    Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston, an African woman who was born in Notasulga, Alabama in 1891. According to Anna Lillios, author of "Hurston's Life" Hurston frequently changed her birth year to 1901, 1903 and 1910, because she looked younger than her actual age, so she would take that as an advantage (Lillios).

  23. Their Eyes Were Watching God Compare And Contrast

    The eyes were watching God shows possession that is also being …show more content… To begin, the pear tree motif is what Janie connected with marriage at the age of sixteen. Seen when she says"So this was marriage!" showing the origin of Janie's belief in marriage that she carries.

  24. Their Eyes Were Watching God: Suggested Essay Topics

    Suggested Essay Topics. 1. In 1937, Richard Wright reviewed Their Eyes Were Watching God and wrote: "The sensory sweep of her novel carries no theme, no message, no thought. In the main, her novel is not addressed to the Negro, but to a white audience whose chauvinistic tastes she knows how to satisfy.". In particular, Wright objected to ...

  25. Their Eyes Were Watching God: Central Idea Essay: Is Tea Cake a Good or

    After his death, Tea Cake's memory remains unsoiled for Janie, and she believes he can never be fully dead "until she herself ha [s] finished feeling and thinking.". All in all, Tea Cake is a complicated man who is beloved by Janie and cannot fall into easy categories such as "good" or "bad.". An essay that focuses on a main idea ...