Literary Works That Shape Our World: A Critical Analysis - Sykalo Evgen 2023

Analysis of “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston

Hurston's life and career

Zora Neale Hurston (1891-1960) was an American author, folklorist, and anthropologist. She is considered one of the most important figures in the Harlem Renaissance, and her work has been praised for its rich language, its complex characters, and its insights into African American culture.

Hurston was born in Eatonville, Florida, one of the first all-Black incorporated towns in the United States. She grew up in a close-knit community and was surrounded by African American folklore and culture. Hurston began writing at a young age, and her first published work, a poem, appeared in a literary magazine in 1921.

In 1925, Hurston moved to New York City to attend Barnard College. She studied anthropology under Franz Boas, one of the leading anthropologists of the time. Hurston also became involved in the Harlem Renaissance, a period of great flourishing in African American art and literature. She befriended other writers and artists of the movement, such as Langston Hughes, Nella Larsen, and Aaron Douglas.

In the 1930s, Hurston conducted extensive anthropological research in the South, collecting African American folklore and studying the lives of African Americans in rural communities. She published her findings in several books, including Mules and Men (1935) and Tell My Horse (1938).

Hurston also wrote several novels, including Their Eyes Were Watching God (1937), her most famous work. The novel tells the story of Janie Crawford, an African American woman who is searching for love and self-fulfillment. Their Eyes Were Watching God is considered a classic of American literature, and it is praised for its rich language, its complex characters, and its insights into African American culture.

Hurston's work was not always appreciated during her lifetime. She was often criticized for her focus on African American folklore and culture, and her novels were not widely read. However, Hurston's work has since been rediscovered and celebrated, and she is now recognized as one of the most important writers of the 20th century.

Hurston's life and career had a profound impact on her writing. Her experiences as an African American woman growing up in the South, her education in anthropology, and her involvement in the Harlem Renaissance all shaped her perspective and her work.

In particular, Hurston's interest in African American folklore and culture is evident in Their Eyes Were Watching God. The novel is full of references to African American folktales, songs, and traditions. Hurston also uses African American dialect to create a sense of authenticity and to develop her characters.

Hurston's experiences as an African American woman also influenced her writing. In Their Eyes Were Watching God, Hurston explores themes such as racism, sexism, and the challenges of self-discovery for African American women.

Hurston's work is a valuable contribution to American literature. Her novels offer insights into African American culture and the experiences of African Americans in the early 20th century. Hurston's writing is also notable for its rich language, its complex characters, and its timeless themes.

The Harlem Renaissance

The Harlem Renaissance was a period of great flourishing in African American art and literature, spanning from the 1920s to the 1930s. It was a time when African American artists and writers rejected negative stereotypes and asserted their own unique cultural identity. Zora Neale Hurston was a major figure in the Harlem Renaissance, and her novel Their Eyes Were Watching God is one of the most iconic works of the movement.

The Harlem Renaissance was inspired by a number of factors, including the Great Migration of African Americans from the South to the North, the rise of African American nationalism, and the influence of European modernism. The movement was centered in Harlem, New York, but it also had a significant impact on other cities across the country.

African American artists and writers of the Harlem Renaissance drew inspiration from their own cultural heritage, as well as from the broader American and European cultural traditions. They created works that explored a wide range of themes, including race, racism, gender, sexuality, and identity.

Hurston's novel Their Eyes Were Watching God is a classic example of a work of Harlem Renaissance literature. The novel tells the story of Janie Crawford, an African American woman who is searching for love and self-fulfillment. Janie's journey takes her from the rural South to the bustling city of Harlem, and she encounters a variety of characters along the way.

Through Janie's story, Hurston explores themes such as racism, sexism, and the challenges of self-discovery for African American women. She also celebrates African American culture and traditions.

Their Eyes Were Watching God was not initially well-received by critics, but it has since been recognized as a classic of American literature. The novel is praised for its rich language, its complex characters, and its insights into African American culture.

The Harlem Renaissance had a profound impact on American culture. It helped to break down racial stereotypes and to promote a more positive image of African Americans. The movement also inspired a new generation of African American artists and writers, and its legacy continues to be felt today.

African American folklore and culture

African American folklore and culture play a central role in Zora Neale Hurston's novel Their Eyes Were Watching God. Hurston was a trained folklorist, and she drew on her knowledge of African American folklore to create a rich and vibrant tapestry of characters, stories, and symbols.

Hurston's novel is full of references to African American folktales, songs, and traditions. For example, in the first chapter, Janie tells Pheoby a story about a bee and a wasp that is a variation of the traditional African American folktale "The Signifying Monkey." Hurston also uses African American dialect to create a sense of authenticity and to develop her characters.

In addition to specific references to folklore, Hurston's novel also reflects the broader values and beliefs of African American culture. For example, the novel emphasizes the importance of community, family, and storytelling. It also celebrates the strength and resilience of African American women.

Some of the specific examples of African American folklore and culture in Their Eyes Were Watching God include:

The use of folktales and storytelling: Janie and her friends often tell each other folktales, which serve to teach moral lessons and to entertain. For example, Janie tells Pheoby the story of the bee and the wasp to illustrate the difference between love and infatuation.
The use of African American dialect: Hurston uses African American dialect to create a sense of authenticity and to develop her characters. For example, Janie's speech is full of idioms and expressions that are specific to African American culture.
The importance of community and family: Janie's community and family are a source of strength and support for her. They help her to make sense of her experiences and to grow as a person.
The celebration of African American women: Hurston's novel celebrates the strength and resilience of African American women. Janie is a complex and well-developed character who overcomes many challenges to find love and happiness.

Hurston's use of African American folklore and culture is one of the things that makes Their Eyes Were Watching God such a rich and unique novel. It is a work that celebrates the African American experience and offers insights into the values and beliefs of African American culture.

Gender roles and sexuality in the early 20th century

Gender roles and sexuality were strictly defined in the early 20th century, particularly for African American women. Women were expected to be subservient to men, and their primary role was to be wives and mothers. Sexuality was also tightly controlled, and women were often criticized for expressing their sexual desires.

In Their Eyes Were Watching God, Zora Neale Hurston challenges these traditional gender roles and sexuality. The novel tells the story of Janie Crawford, an African American woman who is searching for love and self-fulfillment. Janie refuses to be limited by the expectations of others, and she pursues her own desires, even when they go against societal norms.

For example, Janie marries three different men, each of whom expects her to conform to a certain role. Her first husband, Logan Killicks, expects her to be a submissive wife and to work hard on his farm. Janie's second husband, Joe Starks, expects her to be a trophy wife and to help him maintain his social status. However, Janie eventually realizes that she is not happy in these relationships, and she leaves both men.

In her third marriage, Janie finally finds a man who loves and respects her for who she is. Her third husband, Tea Cake Woods, is an independent and free-spirited man who encourages Janie to follow her own path. Janie and Tea Cake have a passionate and loving relationship, and they are both able to express their sexuality freely.

Through Janie's story, Hurston challenges the traditional gender roles and sexuality of the early 20th century. She suggests that women should be free to pursue their own desires and to live their lives to the fullest. She also celebrates the power of female sexuality.

Here are some specific examples of how Hurston challenges traditional gender roles and sexuality in Their Eyes Were Watching God:

Janie's refusal to be limited by the expectations of others: Janie refuses to marry Logan Killicks simply because he is a wealthy landowner. She also refuses to conform to Joe Starks' expectations of a trophy wife. Instead, Janie follows her own desires and marries Tea Cake Woods, a man who loves and respects her for who she is.
Janie's pursuit of her own sexual desires: Janie is not afraid to express her sexual desires. She has passionate and loving relationships with all three of her husbands.
Janie's independence and self-reliance: Janie is an independent and self-reliant woman. She does not need a man to support her or to define her.

Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God is a groundbreaking novel that challenges traditional gender roles and sexuality. It is a story of female empowerment and self-discovery.

Critical reception of the novel

Zora Neale Hurston's novel Their Eyes Were Watching God was not initially well-received by critics. Some critics criticized the novel's use of African American dialect, while others found the story to be too sensual and provocative. However, the novel has since been recognized as a classic of American literature, and it is now praised for its rich language, its complex characters, and its insights into African American culture.

Here is a brief overview of the critical reception of Their Eyes Were Watching God over time:

1937: When the novel was first published in 1937, it received mixed reviews. Some critics praised the novel's originality and its insights into African American culture, while others criticized its use of dialect and its focus on sexuality.
1960-1970s: In the 1960s and 1970s, Their Eyes Were Watching Godbegan to be rediscovered and celebrated by critics. The novel was praised for its feminist themes and its celebration of African American culture.
1980s-present: In the 1980s and beyond, Their Eyes Were Watching Godhas become widely recognized as a classic of American literature. The novel is now praised for its rich language, its complex characters, and its timeless themes.

Here are some examples of critical praise for Their Eyes Were Watching God:

Alice Walker: "If Zora Neale Hurston had been white, her reputation would rival Faulkner's."
Toni Morrison: "Zora Neale Hurston, perhaps more than any other writer, taught me how to speak with my own voice."
Maya Angelou: "Zora Neale Hurston was a genius of the South."

Their Eyes Were Watching God is a rich and complex novel that has been praised by critics for its literary merit and its cultural significance. It is a novel that continues to be relevant and meaningful today.

How does Hurston use language and dialect to create a sense of place and to develop her characters?

Zora Neale Hurston uses language and dialect in a masterful way to create a sense of place and to develop her characters in Their Eyes Were Watching God.

Sense of place

Hurston's use of language and dialect helps to create a vivid sense of place in the novel. The reader can almost taste the salty air of Eatonville, Florida, and feel the heat of the sun on their skin. Hurston's descriptions of the landscape, the people, and the culture are all brought to life through her use of language.

For example, in the following passage, Hurston describes the arrival of spring in Eatonville:

"Spring is a shoulder-shakin' time of year. The birds come back and sing their hearts out, and the flowers poke their heads up so happy. It's a time of year when folks get restless and begin to think about goin' places and doin' things."

Hurston's use of figurative language, such as the simile "shoulder-shakin'" and the personification of the flowers "poking their heads up so happy," helps to create a vivid image of springtime in Eatonville. Her use of dialect, such as the word "poke" and the phrase "get restless," also contributes to the sense of place.

Character development

Hurston's use of language and dialect also helps to develop her characters. The way that each character speaks reveals something about their personality, their background, and their social status.

For example, Janie Crawford, the protagonist of the novel, speaks in a lyrical and poetic way. This reflects her intelligence, her sensitivity, and her deep connection to nature. In contrast, Joe Starks, Janie's second husband, speaks in a more blunt and direct way. This reflects his ambition, his arrogance, and his desire for power.

Hurston's use of dialect also helps to distinguish between the different characters in the novel. For example, the characters from Eatonville, Florida, speak in a different dialect than the characters from Jacksonville, Florida. This reflects the different cultural influences that each group of characters has been exposed to.

Hurston's use of language and dialect is one of the things that makes Their Eyes Were Watching God such a rich and complex novel. Her use of language and dialect helps to create a vivid sense of place and to develop her characters in a way that is both realistic and believable.

How does the novel's narrative structure reflect Janie's journey of self-discovery?

The novel's narrative structure reflects Janie Crawford's journey of self-discovery in a number of ways.

First, the novel is told from Janie's perspective, which allows the reader to see the world through her eyes and to experience her journey firsthand.

Second, the novel is divided into three parts, each of which corresponds to a different stage in Janie's life. In the first part, Janie is a young girl who is still trying to figure out who she is and what she wants in life. In the second part, Janie is married to Joe Starks, a wealthy and powerful man. However, Janie feels suffocated in her marriage, and she eventually leaves Joe. In the third part, Janie marries Tea Cake Woods, a man who loves and respects her for who she is.

The novel's narrative structure also reflects Janie's growing self-awareness. As the novel progresses, Janie becomes more aware of her own desires and needs. She also becomes more assertive and confident.

For example, in the first part of the novel, Janie is afraid to speak up for herself. She allows Logan Killicks to marry her even though she doesn't love him. However, by the end of the novel, Janie is able to stand up for herself and to leave Joe Starks when she realizes that he is not the right man for her.

The novel's narrative structure also reflects Janie's growing sense of self-love. At the beginning of the novel, Janie is dependent on others for her happiness. She believes that she needs a man to make her complete. However, by the end of the novel, Janie realizes that she is strong and capable on her own. She learns to love and respect herself, regardless of what others think of her.

Overall, the novel's narrative structure reflects Janie Crawford's journey of self-discovery in a number of ways. The novel is told from Janie's perspective, it is divided into three parts that correspond to different stages in her life, and it reflects her growing self-awareness and self-love.

Here are some specific examples of how the novel's narrative structure reflects Janie's journey of self-discovery:

The use of a flashback: The novel opens with Janie telling her story to her friend Pheoby. This flashback structure allows the reader to learn about Janie's past and to see how it has shaped her into the person she is today.
The use of symbols: Hurston uses a number of symbols throughout the novel to represent Janie's journey of self-discovery. For example, the pear tree symbolizes Janie's sexuality and her desire for love. The horizon symbolizes Janie's dreams and aspirations.
The use of imagery: Hurston uses vivid imagery throughout the novel to describe Janie's surroundings and her inner world. This imagery helps the reader to understand Janie's feelings and experiences on a deeper level.

Hurston uses the novel's narrative structure in a masterful way to reflect Janie Crawford's journey of self-discovery.

What symbols does Hurston use to explore themes such as love, identity, and freedom?

Zora Neale Hurston uses a number of symbols in Their Eyes Were Watching God to explore themes such as love, identity, and freedom.

Love

The pear tree: The pear tree symbolizes Janie's sexuality and her desire for love. When Janie is a young girl, she has a passionate kiss under a pear tree. This kiss awakens her sexuality and her desire for love. The pear tree also symbolizes the destructive power of love. When Janie marries Logan Killicks, she feels like the pear tree has been "desecrated."
The horizon: The horizon symbolizes Janie's dreams and aspirations. Janie is always looking to the horizon, hoping for a better life. She sees the horizon as a symbol of freedom and opportunity.

Identity

Janie's hair: Janie's hair is a symbol of her identity and her power. Janie's hair is long and flowing, and it is often described as being beautiful and attractive. However, Janie's hair is also a source of conflict for her. Her first husband, Logan Killicks, wants her to cut her hair short, but Janie refuses. Her second husband, Joe Starks, also tries to control Janie's hair, but she eventually leaves him.
Janie's name: Janie's name is also a symbol of her identity. Janie's first husband, Logan Killicks, wants her to change her name to Mrs. Turner, but Janie refuses. She wants to keep her own name, which is a symbol of her individuality.

Freedom

The mule: The mule is a symbol of freedom and resistance. The mule is a strong and independent animal, and it is often associated with enslaved people. Janie's second husband, Joe Starks, owns a mule named Joe Starks. However, the mule eventually escapes, which symbolizes Janie's own desire for freedom.
The road: The road is a symbol of freedom and adventure. Janie often travels down the road, searching for a better life. She sees the road as a symbol of opportunity and hope.

These are just a few of the many symbols that Hurston uses in Their Eyes Were Watching God. Hurston's use of symbolism is one of the things that makes the novel so rich and complex. Her symbols help to explore the themes of love, identity, and freedom in a nuanced and insightful way.

In addition to the symbols listed above, Hurston also uses other symbols in the novel, such as:

The hurricane: The hurricane symbolizes the destructive power of nature, but it also symbolizes the power of love and resilience.
The bees: The bees symbolize community and cooperation.
The snakes: The snakes symbolize danger and temptation.

Hurston's use of symbols is one of the things that makes Their Eyes Were Watching God such a beautiful and evocative novel. Her symbols help to create a vivid and immersive world for the reader, and they also help to explore the novel's complex themes in a meaningful way.

How does Hurston challenge traditional gender roles and sexuality in the novel?

Zora Neale Hurston challenges traditional gender roles and sexuality in her novel Their Eyes Were Watching God in a number of ways.

Janie's independence and self-reliance: Janie Crawford, the protagonist of the novel, is an independent and self-reliant woman. She does not need a man to support her or to define her. For example, Janie refuses to marry Logan Killicks simply because he is a wealthy landowner. She also refuses to conform to Joe Starks' expectations of a trophy wife. Instead, Janie follows her own desires and marries Tea Cake Woods, a man who loves and respects her for who she is.
Janie's pursuit of her own sexual desires: Janie is not afraid to express her sexual desires. She has passionate and loving relationships with all three of her husbands. For example, when Janie first meets Tea Cake, she is immediately attracted to him. She is not afraid to act on her feelings, and she begins a relationship with him even though she is still married to Joe Starks.
Janie's equality with men: Janie sees herself as equal to men. She does not believe that she is inferior to men in any way. For example, when Joe Starks tries to control Janie, she stands up to him and tells him that she is not his property. She also refuses to be intimidated by other men.

In addition to these specific examples, Hurston also challenges traditional gender roles and sexuality in the novel through her use of language and symbolism. For example, Hurston uses the symbol of the pear tree to represent Janie's sexuality and her desire for love. The pear tree is a powerful symbol, and it suggests that Janie's sexuality is a natural and healthy part of her being.

Hurston's challenge to traditional gender roles and sexuality was groundbreaking at the time. Their Eyes Were Watching God was published in 1937, a time when women were expected to be subservient to men and to repress their sexual desires. Hurston's novel was a powerful affirmation of female sexuality and self-determination.

Hurston's work has been praised by critics for its feminist themes and its celebration of female empowerment. Their Eyes Were Watching God is a classic of American literature, and it continues to be relevant and meaningful today.

How has the critical reception of the novel changed over time?
When Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God was first published in 1937, it received mixed reviews. Some critics praised the novel for its originality and its insights into African American culture, while others found the story to be too sensual and provocative. However, the novel has since been recognized as a classic of American literature, and it is now praised for its rich language, its complex characters, and its timeless themes.

Here is a brief overview of the critical reception of Their Eyes Were Watching God over time:

1937: When the novel was first published in 1937, it received mixed reviews. Some critics praised the novel's originality and its insights into African American culture, while others found the story to be too sensual and provocative.
1960-1970s: In the 1960s and 1970s, Their Eyes Were Watching Godbegan to be rediscovered and celebrated by critics. The novel was praised for its feminist themes and its celebration of African American culture.
1980s-present: In the 1980s and beyond, Their Eyes Were Watching Godhas become widely recognized as a classic of American literature. The novel is now praised for its rich language, its complex characters, and its timeless themes.

Some examples of critical praise for Their Eyes Were Watching God include:

Alice Walker: "If Zora Neale Hurston had been white, her reputation would rival Faulkner's."
Toni Morrison: "Zora Neale Hurston, perhaps more than any other writer, taught me how to speak with my own voice."
Maya Angelou: "Zora Neale Hurston was a genius of the South."

The critical reception of Their Eyes Were Watching God has changed over time due to a number of factors, including the rise of the feminist movement and the growing recognition of the importance of African American literature. In the early years after its publication, the novel was criticized for its focus on female sexuality and its celebration of African American culture. However, as the feminist movement gained momentum and African American literature became more widely accepted, the novel began to be praised for its groundbreaking themes and its complex characters.

Today, Their Eyes Were Watching God is considered to be one of the most important works of American literature. It is a novel that continues to be relevant and meaningful to readers of all backgrounds.