Their Eyes Were Watching God

Definition

Their Eyes Were Watching God is a novel written by Zora Neale Hurston, published in 1937, that tells the story of Janie Crawford, an African American woman in the early 20th century. The novel explores themes of love, identity, and self-discovery against the backdrop of the Southern Black experience during a time of social change and racial inequality. It reflects the historical and cultural context of its time, highlighting the struggles and resilience of African American women.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Zora Neale Hurston was a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance, using her writing to explore and celebrate Black culture and identity.
2. The novel employs rich symbolism, including the horizon as a representation of Janie's dreams and aspirations.
3. The narrative structure alternates between Janie's past and present, showcasing her journey toward self-realization.
4. Their Eyes Were Watching God was initially met with mixed reviews but has since become a classic in American literature, particularly in studies of race and gender.
5. The book's dialogue is heavily influenced by Southern Black vernacular, making it an important work for the study of dialect in literature.

Review Questions

• How does Zora Neale Hurston's portrayal of Janie Crawford reflect the historical experiences of African American women during the early 20th century?
  • Hurston's portrayal of Janie Crawford reflects the struggles and aspirations of African American women in a society marked by racial discrimination and gender inequality. Throughout the novel, Janie's journey symbolizes the search for personal freedom and identity against societal expectations. Her experiences with various relationships reveal both the limitations placed on women at that time and their resilience in overcoming these challenges. This context helps to highlight Janie's ultimate quest for self-discovery and empowerment.
• Discuss how the use of dialect in Their Eyes Were Watching God contributes to the authenticity of the characters and setting.
  • The use of dialect in Their Eyes Were Watching God is pivotal to creating an authentic voice for the characters, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the cultural context of early 20th century Florida. Hurston's incorporation of Southern Black vernacular not only enriches character development but also serves as a powerful tool for conveying emotional depth and regional identity. This linguistic choice enhances the realism of interactions among characters, giving readers insight into their backgrounds, relationships, and social dynamics.
• Evaluate the significance of the horizon as a symbol in Their Eyes Were Watching God, particularly in relation to Janie's personal growth throughout the novel.
  • The horizon serves as a profound symbol in Their Eyes Were Watching God, representing Janie's dreams, aspirations, and quest for self-fulfillment. Throughout her journey, the horizon symbolizes both hope and possibility as she seeks to find her true identity beyond societal constraints. As Janie encounters various relationships and hardships, her understanding of what lies beyond her immediate circumstances deepens. Ultimately, achieving her own horizon signifies not only personal growth but also an assertion of agency in a world that often limits her potential.

Related terms

Harlem Renaissance:

A cultural movement in the 1920s and 1930s that celebrated African American art, literature, and music, and sought to redefine the identity and representation of Black Americans.

Dialect: A particular form of a language that is peculiar to a specific region or social group, which Hurston uses in the novel to authentically portray the voices of her characters.

Feminism: A movement that advocates for women's rights and equality, which is central to Janie's journey as she seeks to find her own voice and independence throughout the novel.