Their Eyes Were Watching God

Definition

Their Eyes Were Watching God is a novel by Zora Neale Hurston, published in 1937, that tells the story of Janie Crawford's journey towards self-discovery and empowerment through her relationships and experiences. This work is significant in the context of African American literature and feminist thought, and it also opens avenues for queer interpretations, exploring themes of identity, desire, and freedom in a society that often suppresses individuality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The novel features a unique narrative style that blends vernacular speech with lyrical prose, emphasizing the cultural richness of African American life in the early 20th century.
2. Janie's relationships with her three husbands serve as a framework for her personal growth, showcasing her quest for love, independence, and self-actualization.
3. Hurston's portrayal of the Everglades highlights the connection between nature and personal freedom, creating a setting where Janie can discover her true self.
4. The concept of 'voice' is central to the novel, as Janie's journey involves finding her own voice against societal expectations and oppressive structures.
5. Their Eyes Were Watching God was initially met with mixed reviews but has since become a classic work in both African American literature and feminist discourse.

Review Questions

• How does Janie's journey in Their Eyes Were Watching God reflect themes of self-discovery and empowerment?
  • Janie's journey in Their Eyes Were Watching God is a profound exploration of self-discovery and empowerment as she navigates her relationships with her three husbands. Each relationship teaches her valuable lessons about love, autonomy, and societal expectations. Ultimately, her quest for true love and fulfillment leads her to embrace her individuality and assert her voice, demonstrating the importance of personal growth in the face of societal limitations.
• In what ways does Zora Neale Hurston's use of vernacular language enhance the cultural authenticity of Their Eyes Were Watching God?
  • Hurston's use of vernacular language in Their Eyes Were Watching God enriches the cultural authenticity of the narrative by reflecting the speech patterns and rhythms of African American communities. This stylistic choice not only adds depth to the characters but also serves to preserve and celebrate African American culture. Through this linguistic approach, Hurston immerses readers in Janie's world, allowing them to experience her emotions and struggles in a more intimate way.
• Evaluate how Their Eyes Were Watching God can be interpreted through queer theory, particularly in relation to Janie's exploration of identity and desire.
  • Through a queer theoretical lens, Their Eyes Were Watching God reveals complex layers of identity and desire as Janie navigates her relationships and societal expectations. Her journey can be seen as an assertion of sexual autonomy as she seeks fulfillment outside traditional norms imposed by her marriages. Additionally, Janie's relationships reflect a fluidity in identity that challenges binary understandings of gender roles and romantic love, inviting readers to consider broader interpretations of connection and desire beyond heteronormative frameworks.

Related terms

Zora Neale Hurston:

An influential African American author, anthropologist, and filmmaker, known for her contributions to the Harlem Renaissance and her exploration of African American culture.

Feminist Literature: A genre of literature that seeks to highlight women's experiences, advocate for gender equality, and challenge patriarchal norms through various narrative forms.

Queer Theory: An academic discipline that examines the social constructs of gender and sexuality, questioning traditional binaries and exploring the fluidity of identity.