Literary Device Analysis
By Joshua Gewecke
Zora Neale Hurston expresses her views in “Their eyes were watching God” in many different metaphorical phrases. She uses metaphors rather than just saying her thoughts as a way of intriguing the reader. This is commonly seen in everyday life as well; saying “don’t worry, it will get better” is less effective than saying “the grass is greener on the other side”. The use of a metaphor makes you think, in the case of the last example you might ponder what could the other side look like? Hurston uses this sense of thought and reader involvement as a way of expressing her worldview.
In the very beginning of the novel the use of metaphors is being put to use. Hurston says that “Ships at a distance have every man’s wish aboard.” on the very first page. When the metaphor is examined we can see that there is more behind it than you would originally think. The use of the word man does not mean just a single man; it is a way of describing men in general. And these men when they see boats coming in and out of the harbor see the grander lives that are offered with these vessels. Janie herself is found with three different husbands who live in three different towns. She was unable to realize that location will not make for a happier life, but something much more will.
The next metaphor used by Hurston is about Janie’s need for independence. Janie’s Nanny tells her that “De nigger woman is de mule of de world so fur as Ah can see”. Mules are widely known as ignorant stubborn animals. The only thing on their mind is what they want to do not what their master wants them to do. Janie’s relationship with Joe Starks is described by this metaphor. Janie was controlled in every way by Joe. Janie however is a free and independent person and was stubborn. Janie was very upset over how Joe made her wear her hair in a handkerchief so other men could not see her beautiful hair.
The horizon is the next of the prevalent metaphors found within the novel. Janie climbs the pear tree to look at her what is around her. She in turn sees the horizon and what it can bring. It is seen that the working people sit on their porches and watch the horizon for the sunset that will end that working day. Janie starts on her path to the horizon; or in this case, her future. Janie travels at sunrise down to the train station where she ends up meeting Tea Cake; and in the end marrying him. The marriage between Janie and Tea Cake was her way of trying to reach the horizon she has always dreamed of.
The pear tree mentioned in the beginning of the book sets the stage for our view of Janie. She sits underneath the pear tree watching and marveling at natures work. The bees buzzing are around pollinating the flowers giving life to the area. This is how Janie pictures her “perfect” relationship. The tree and the bees are reliant upon each other for life. Janie is looking for this “need” or “spark” with all of her husband’s. Janie is unable to find this “sexual spark” with her first two husbands. This sets the stage for our initial thoughts and knowledge of Janie. And is the first
main event in Janie’s journey for love. This increases the significance of her love for Tea Cake, because for her she has now found that “spark”.
Lastly Janie’s hair plays a significant piece in the story. It represents her independence from the rules of thoughts of society. In her town it was seen as a bad thing for her to wear her hair down in public. Her husband Joe Starks does not allow her to wear her hair down because he could not “handle” knowing that other men are looking at her hair. And the straightness of her hair plays a large role in racial differences. Mrs. Turner worships Janie’s straight hair because it has Caucasian traits and characteristics. The white characteristics of her hair also give her advantages in her relationships, especially with Jody as he feels threatened by her.
All of these metaphors play a role in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”. Understanding the meaning behind these metaphors will progress your knowledge and understanding of what is happening throughout the novel. For metaphors are one of the most explicit ways of portraying your thoughts and views without openly stating them. Janie’s views are not openly stated but are portrayed through her actions and metaphors about her environment or her body. This is why understanding Hurston’s reasoning behind her metaphors is critical to comprehending “Their Eyes Were Watching God.”
By Joshua Gewecke
Zora Neale Hurston expresses her views in “Their eyes were watching God” in many different metaphorical phrases. She uses metaphors rather than just saying her thoughts as a way of intriguing the reader. This is commonly seen in everyday life as well; saying “don’t worry, it will get better” is less effective than saying “the grass is greener on the other side”. The use of a metaphor makes you think, in the case of the last example you might ponder what could the other side look like? Hurston uses this sense of thought and reader involvement as a way of expressing her worldview.
In the very beginning of the novel the use of metaphors is being put to use. Hurston says that “Ships at a distance have every man’s wish aboard.” on the very first page. When the metaphor is examined we can see that there is more behind it than you would originally think. The use of the word man does not mean just a single man; it is a way of describing men in general. And these men when they see boats coming in and out of the harbor see the grander lives that are offered with these vessels. Janie herself is found with three different husbands who live in three different towns. She was unable to realize that location will not make for a happier life, but something much more will.
The next metaphor used by Hurston is about Janie’s need for independence. Janie’s Nanny tells her that “De nigger woman is de mule of de world so fur as Ah can see”. Mules are widely known as ignorant stubborn animals. The only thing on their mind is what they want to do not what their master wants them to do. Janie’s relationship with Joe Starks is described by this metaphor. Janie was controlled in every way by Joe. Janie however is a free and independent person and was stubborn. Janie was very upset over how Joe made her wear her hair in a handkerchief so other men could not see her beautiful hair.
The horizon is the next of the prevalent metaphors found within the novel. Janie climbs the pear tree to look at her what is around her. She in turn sees the horizon and what it can bring. It is seen that the working people sit on their porches and watch the horizon for the sunset that will end that working day. Janie starts on her path to the horizon; or in this case, her future. Janie travels at sunrise down to the train station where she ends up meeting Tea Cake; and in the end marrying him. The marriage between Janie and Tea Cake was her way of trying to reach the horizon she has always dreamed of.
The pear tree mentioned in the beginning of the book sets the stage for our view of Janie. She sits underneath the pear tree watching and marveling at natures work. The bees buzzing are around pollinating the flowers giving life to the area. This is how Janie pictures her “perfect” relationship. The tree and the bees are reliant upon each other for life. Janie is looking for this “need” or “spark” with all of her husband’s. Janie is unable to find this “sexual spark” with her first two husbands. This sets the stage for our initial thoughts and knowledge of Janie. And is the first
main event in Janie’s journey for love. This increases the significance of her love for Tea Cake, because for her she has now found that “spark”.
Lastly Janie’s hair plays a significant piece in the story. It represents her independence from the rules of thoughts of society. In her town it was seen as a bad thing for her to wear her hair down in public. Her husband Joe Starks does not allow her to wear her hair down because he could not “handle” knowing that other men are looking at her hair. And the straightness of her hair plays a large role in racial differences. Mrs. Turner worships Janie’s straight hair because it has Caucasian traits and characteristics. The white characteristics of her hair also give her advantages in her relationships, especially with Jody as he feels threatened by her.
All of these metaphors play a role in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”. Understanding the meaning behind these metaphors will progress your knowledge and understanding of what is happening throughout the novel. For metaphors are one of the most explicit ways of portraying your thoughts and views without openly stating them. Janie’s views are not openly stated but are portrayed through her actions and metaphors about her environment or her body. This is why understanding Hurston’s reasoning behind her metaphors is critical to comprehending “Their Eyes Were Watching God.”