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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."

The Value of Finding True Love and Friendship in Their Eyes Were Watching God

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Self-growth and Maturation in "Their Eyes Were Watching God"

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The Role of Language in Their Eyes Were Watching God

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Their Eyes Were Watching God Critics: Harlem Renaissance, Disputed Merits, and Racism

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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 Zora Neale Hurston

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Their Eyes Were Watching God Essays

Tea cake the villain anonymous college, their eyes were watching god.

Zora Neale Hurston’s well-acclaimed novel Their Eyes Were Watching God includes many controversial characters with ambiguous ethics. Janie Crawford’s lovers have been continuously analyzed by literary scholars such as Janice Knudsen and Mesa-El...

The Importance of Dreams Laura Lee

Throughout the history of black American culture, the pursuit of dreams has played a pivotal role in self-fulfillment and internal development. In many ways an individual's reactions to the perceived and real obstacles barring the path to a dream...

Getting in Touch with the Feminine Side Judd Salamat

In 1937, upon the first publication of Their Eyes Were Watching God, the most influential black writer of his time, Richard Wright, stated that the novel ìcarries no theme, no message, [and] no thought.î Wrightís powerful critique epitomized a...

Living for Yourself in Their Eyes Were Watching God Theoderek Wayne

Through Janie's growth from a girl so far removed from any identity that she doesn't know her own race, to a woman strong enough to return to her hometown that wants nothing more than to revel in her miseries, Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were...

Their Eyes Were Watching God: Double Consciousness as an Indicator of Growth Meagan Bass

Zora Neale Hurston's novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God, utilizes a struggle W.E.B. Du Bois describes as "double consciousness" to chart the journey of Janie Crawford into selfhood. In "The Souls of Black Folk," Du Bois describes African...

A Voice of Abandonment Emily Flynn

In Zora Neale Hurston's novel Their Eyes Were Watching God, Janie is encouraged to develop her own personality throughout the book, and she is forced into constant movement down roads after being abandoned by her grandmother and her three...

Uses of Metonymy in Their Eyes Were Watching God Anonymous

In Their Eyes Were Watching God, Zora Neale Hurston uses metonymy several times in order to express motifs which appear throughout the novel. For instance, one of the clearest examples of metonymy, the porch, appears as a whole or general entity,...

The Alpha Female Aaron Chan

The Alpha Female

Zora Neale Hurston's 1937 novel Their Eyes Were Watching God shows the Southern black women not as the weak and submissive slaves of their husbands, but rather, Eyes traces the development of Janie as the independent black woman....

Nature's Role in Their Eyes Were Watching God Anonymous

"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,...

Community and Identity Justin Hamilton

Over the course Zora Neale Hurston's novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God, Janie resides in several communities, each of which play an important role in the story, and serve as essential influences on Janie's life. At different stages in her life,...

The Use of Name Significance in Their Eyes Were Watching God Zachary Isaac Goldman

With their significance ranging from one’s place of origin to one’s occupation, last names have been used to distinguish and describe individuals for centuries. In the novel Their Eyes Were Watching God, Zora Neale Hurston, the author, experiments...

In Search of Voice Abraham G Berhane

As the old adage goes, it is not what one says, but how they say it that matters most. In Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God, the novel’s protagonist, Janie Crawford, is immersed in a journey to establish her voice and,...

The Sound of Silence Benjamin Keni Cook Piiru

In Their Eyes Were Watching God, Zora Neal Hurston uses language as a tool to show the progression of the story. Throughout the novel, Hurston uses a narrative style that is split between poetic literary prose and the vernacular of Southern...

Finding True Love in Their Eyes Were Watching God Laura Jean Kepko

The novel Their Eyes Were Watching God is a story of one woman’s growth as a person physically, emotionally, and intellectually while on a journey for life fulfillment. Throughout the novel a theme illustrating the value of finding true love and...

Mules in Their Eyes Were Watching God Anonymous

When Nanny tells her young, naïve granddaughter Janie Crawford, “de nigger woman is de mule uh de world so fur as Ah can see,” (14) she is merely setting the stage for a number of connections between humans and animals that communicate Hurston’s...

The Multiple Meanings of "Their" in Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God Anonymous 10th Grade

In Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston, Hurston leaves part of the title ambiguous and therefore open to interpretation. Throughout the novel, the characters mention or allude to God, or a “god.” The multiple meanings of the word “...

Love in Their Eyes Were Watching God Anonymous 12th Grade

In Zora Neale Hurston’s novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God, the reader sees one character’s journey towards figuring out love. Janie Crawford, the protagonist, deciphers through experience what love actually is. Through her text, Hurston...

Folklore in Their Eyes Were Watching God Anonymous 12th Grade

Zora Neale Hurston wrote Their Eyes Were Watching God in seven weeks while she was in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, researching the country’s major voodoo gods and studying as an initiate under the tutelage of Haiti’s most well-known Voodoo hougans...

Hurston's and Larsen's Commentary on Racial Loyalty Foster Cheng College

Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston and Passing by Nella Larsen both feature black females as their main characters. Hurston’s novel follows a woman named Janie through her life, while Larsen’s follows Clare, a black woman who...

New Voices in the Harlem Renaissance Wei Dai College

Despite disparities in the poetic styles of Sterling Brown and Arna Bontemps, each author was equally effective in conveying the “new voice” of the black American during the Harlem Renaissance. The idea of a more suitable expression for African...

“Hope, Hopelessness and Despair”: An Analysis of Realism, Naturalism and Romanticism in Their Eyes Were Watching God Abbey Crowley 10th Grade

The 1930s: a pivotal point in the birth of literary modernism. After Sigmund Freud’s publication of studies of human emotion through psychoanalysis in the early 1900s, writing was forever changed. Authors added masks of character development...

Women’s Empowerment: Their Eyes Were Watching God and Love Medicine Anonymous College

In the novels Their Eyes Were Watching God and Love Medicine , Hurston and Erdrich (respectively) use the characterization of the women to promote women’s empowerment and self-fulfillment. Lulu can be seen within Erdrich’s work as the...

Nanny, Leafy, and Strength over Slavery in Their Eyes Were Watching God Anonymous College

Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God follows Janie Crawford’s journey through three marriages and her search for freedom, independence, and love through black womanhood in the 20th century. In the beginning of the novel, Hurston,...

Hurston and Her Novel's Critics: Racism, the Harlem Renaissance, and the Disputed Merits of The Eyes Were Watching God Rochelle Ann Maloney College

“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” – Richard Wright.

Although Zora Neale...

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

General analysis, mule as a main symbol in the story, novel criticism.

Their Eyes Were Watching God is a novel written by Zora Neale Hurston in 1937. It is a story about an African American woman, Janie Crawford, her lifelong search for love and self-assertion.

In 1937, the times of the Great Depression, the novel did not get recognition as it gets today. Black people criticized the ideas presented in the story a lot. They said that Hurston had not underlined the real treatment of whites to South blacks. They argued that demoralization had not been described as it was in real. Only in the 1970s, the book was rediscovered and began studied by students. 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, Pheoby Watson.

Her story is a kind of trip to Janie’s past life via a huge flashback.

To describe Janie’s story of life, the author uses a high number of metaphors and symbolism. First of all, it is necessary to clear up what a metaphor actually means.

“In cognitive linguistic view, metaphor is defined as understanding one conceptual domain of another conceptual domain.” (Kövecses 4)

In the novel, there are three brightest examples of metaphors: a pear tree, the image of the horizon, and mules. Two first examples are about Janie’s dreams and hopes. Janie climbs the pear tree to see the horizon. She wants to know what else is around her. She has a dream to make a trip and discover what is so special beyond the horizon.

The third example of metaphor, a mule, is an image of African American’s status during the Great Depression. Hurston tries to underline the plight of African American workers by comparing them with the mules.

The literary analysis essay on Their Eyes Were Watching God evidences consistent usage of symbolism in the novel.The image of mules represents Janie’s life, her searching, and her social status. Actually, mules represent Janie’s position in several ways.

With each stage of her life, Janie realizes more and more that her life is almost like the life of an ordinary mule. When Janie is a child, her grandmother, Nanny, usually compares black women and mules. She says: “De nigger woman is de mule uh de world so fur as Ah can see” (Hurston 14). Nanny tries to explain to her granddaughter how helpless the status of African American women in society is.

Nanny does not see another way for a good and free life for her Janie but a marriage. It is not that important to marry for love and happiness. Granny tells that love and joy may come with time. A family is the very place where true love will appear. This is why Nanny finds a good option for her daughter.

Inexperienced Janie has nothing to do but obey her granny, and she agrees to get married to Logan Killicks, an old farmer who needs a wife to keep the house and helps on the farm. She truly believes that in this marriage, she will find true love and become happy. Unfortunately, it was only her dreams.

Just like a mule, Janie is forced to work in the field with her husband. Janie continues to believe that, working together, she will be able to become closer to her husband. However, being closer was not the objective of her husband. The primary purpose that Logan wants to achieve is his financial prosperity, nothing more. Janie cannot stand such an attitude anymore. The only way she sees is to leave her husband and start a new life. She desperately thinks that her new lover, Jody Starks, will help her.

They come to a new town, where Jody becomes a major. However, the situation does not change considerably. Now, Janie’s role is to be a trophy wife.

A situation with Matt Bonner’s mule can serve as one more example to find more connection between the life of the mule and Janie’s life.

As is clear from the summary, Jody Starks tempted Janie with his money and burning ambitions. He made her fall in love with him and took away from the husband. The same thing happens with Bonner’s mule. He buys the mule and takes it away from Bonner just to make it his property. This mule becomes one of the major themes for discussions. It is a centerpiece of the town, as well as Janie (because she is a major’s wife).

“The association between the mule’s liberation and its release from the debt of slavery comments in interesting ways on Janie’s own life history.” (Joseph 146).

Janie feels sorry for that poor mule. Maybe, it happens because she compares herself with it. She also suffers from abuse and sneers from other people. She cannot get into a way of being a major’s wife, listening, and obeying each word of her husband. Even though she has a better job (now, she should not work in the field but in the office), she does not feel satisfied. Such a “golden cage” is not for her.

It is also essential to underline one more situation that happens with Bonner’s mule and Janie. When the mule died, Jody does not allow Janie to go to the funeral. What are the reasons for such a decision? It is so evident that the mule symbolizes Janie’s life. In this case, why does Jody allow the mule to die and be eaten by the birds? Does he want the same destiny for his wife? Or, can it be that Jody wants to prove that even after the death, he can control the situation?

However, in any case, the mule’s death is a symbol of Janie’s freeing, at least, her soul. This death changes Janie in some way. Now, she is more or less ready to leave Jody and continue her search for freedom and happiness.

There is one more thing that needs to be considered – the color of Matt Bonner’s mule. It was yellow. Yellow is referred to light-skinned African Americans, just like Janie Crawford is. Is it a coincidence or one more technique used by the author? Maybe, it is one more attempt to underline an unbelievable resemblance to the status of an African American woman and a working mule.

Of course, the way Hurston chooses to describe the status of working black women was a bit offensive. To represent the terrible attitude of whites to black workers, the writer picks out mules. These animals have to obey their masters. They have nothing to do but work all the time.

In Their Eyes Were Watching God resolution,the main character of the novel, Janie Crawford, should follow the same way. She wants to find true love and become free as it is in human nature. Unfortunately, her path is not that easy. Too many obstacles are in her way.

“Hurston’s heroine, Janie, progresses through a series of destructive relationships with men before finally choosing solitude and reflection as the resolution to her quest.” (Nash 74)

At the end of the story, Janie kills her true love. She has to do it to save her own life. Such a decision is the brightest evidence of her strengths and her only desire to survive and be free.

Zora Hurston created the novel during the times of the Great Depression. These were the times when African American female writers were rather rare. Because of serious critiques and discontents of either whites or blacks, lots of her works were overlooked and even not published.

In the 1970s, Alice Walker reintroduced Hurston’s works. She wrote: “Her best novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God (1937), is regarded as one of the most poetic works of fiction by a black writer in the first half of the twentieth century, and one of the most revealing treatments in modern literature of a woman’s quest for a satisfying life.” (Walker A. 6)

Zora Hurston described Janie as a strong and courageous woman who never stopped her searching for independence and happiness. It was an unusual theme for those times. The essay on Their Eyes Were Watching God showed that the vast majority of African American women could not demonstrate their characters and represent their own ideas at the time. It was a risky step, and the writer was not afraid to take it. Her attempt may be justified as the book is great, and all the techniques are appropriately used.

Joseph, Philip. American Literary Regionalism in a Global Age. United States: LSU Press, 2007.

Hurston, Zora Neale. Their Eyes Were Watching God. United States: University of Illinois Press, 1991.

Hemenway, Robert. E. and Walker A. Zora Hurston: A Literary Biography. United States: University of Illinois Press, 1980.

Kövecses, Zoltán. Metaphor: A Practical Introduction. United States: Oxford University Press US, 2002.

Nash, William R. Charles Johnson’s Fiction. United States: University of Illinois Press, 2003.

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