Top 100 Literature Essay Topics - 2023

The use of imagery in “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston

Zora Neale Hurston's "Their Eyes Were Watching God" is a novel that is rich in imagery and symbolism. Throughout the novel, Hurston employs a range of artistic details and images to convey the themes and emotions of the story. These images are often rooted in the natural world, and they serve to connect the characters to their environment and to one another.

One of the most powerful images in the novel is the horizon. The horizon represents the future and the possibility of change, and it serves as a powerful symbol for the protagonist, Janie Crawford. Janie is a young woman who is searching for her own identity and seeking to find her place in the world. For her, the horizon represents the promise of a better future, one where she can be free to be herself and to pursue her own desires. The image of the horizon is used throughout the novel, and it serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for growth and change.

Another powerful image in the novel is the pear tree. The pear tree is a symbol of love and sexuality, and it represents Janie's desire for a fulfilling relationship. The image of the pear tree is introduced early in the novel, and it serves as a recurring motif that is woven throughout the story. Janie's relationship with the pear tree evolves over time, and it serves as a powerful symbol of her own growth and development.

Throughout the novel, Hurston uses a range of natural images and settings to convey the emotions of the characters. For example, the image of the hurricane serves as a powerful symbol of the destructive forces that can upend our lives. The hurricane represents the chaos and turmoil that can sweep through our lives, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of resilience and adaptability. The image of the hurricane is particularly powerful in the context of the novel, as it underscores the challenges faced by African Americans in the early 20th century.

Hurston's use of imagery is also evident in her descriptions of the natural world. The novel is set in the rural South, and the descriptions of the natural world serve to connect the characters to their environment and to underscore the beauty and power of the natural world. For example, Hurston's descriptions of the blossoming pear tree are vivid and poetic, and they serve to highlight the beauty and wonder of the natural world.

In conclusion, Zora Neale Hurston's "Their Eyes Were Watching God" is a novel that is rich in imagery and symbolism. Throughout the novel, Hurston employs a range of artistic details and images to convey the themes and emotions of the story. The use of natural images and settings serves to connect the characters to their environment and to underscore the power and beauty of the natural world. Hurston's use of imagery serves to create a vivid and evocative world that resonates with readers and underscores the power of literature to convey complex emotions and ideas.