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Their Eyes Were Watching God

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-4

Chapters 5-8

Chapters 9-13

Chapters 14-17

Chapters 18-20

Character Analysis

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Discussion Questions

Compare Janie’s three marriages. How does each relationship shape her understanding of herself? How does each advance her quest for the love she envisioned beneath the pear tree?

Discuss the different types of discourse in the novel. How do these versions of English add to characterization and play off each other?

Consider the novel’s structure. Why does Hurston relate Janie’s story in an embedded narrative? What does the narrative frame add to the reader’s experience of the novel?

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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Books — Their Eyes Were Watching God

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."

Character Analysis of Janies Logan Killicks

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Janie’s Response to Desertion in Their Eyes Were Watching God

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Their Eyes Were Watching God: a Journey into Womanhood

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The Theme of Love Versus Independence in Their Eyes Were Watching God

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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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84 Their Eyes Were Watching God Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best their eyes were watching god topic ideas & essay examples, 📌 most interesting their eyes were watching god topics to write about, 👍 good research topics about their eyes were watching god, ❓ their eyes were watching god essay questions.

• Tea Cake and Janie in Their Eyes Were Watching God – an Integral Character The role of Tea Cake remains to be crucial in the story as well as in the whole life of Janie as his passion, creativity, and desire to create the best living conditions promote safety […]
• One Woman’s Search for her Self-Identity. A Review of Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston Janie’s maturity of voice is a direct indicator of her inner growth, and the activities at the courtroom may be plotted too much as to draw the parallels in her inner self.
• Zora Neale Hurston: Their Eyes Were Watching God One of the peculiar features of the work is the form chosen by the author. Just like a mule, Janie is forced to work in the field with her husband.
• Review of “Their Eyes Were Watching God” Book The paper will discuss how Hurston exemplifies the Harlem movement in her book.’Their Eyes Were Watching God is an award-winning novel first published in the late 1930s and is considered one of the classics of […]
• Identity in Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God In the story, the author offered a comprehensive discussion of identity, its elements, importance, and relation to modernism. These two elements contribute to the fact that a person has a particular position in society, and […]
• Janie’s Search for Her Freedom and Independence in Their Eyes Were Watching God by Z. N. Hurston Though Janie does not feel her duty to clear out herself, she explains the story of her life to her friend. The reader observes the development of Janie’s character and the changes in her attitude […]
• African American Studies. “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Hurston Janie’s appreciation of her independence is depicted when she refuses to be bound to Logan for the rest of her life because of material things.
• Jody Sparks in Hurston’s “Their Eyes Were Watching God” Joe’s entry into Janie’s life is at an appropriate moment, since Janie is on the verge of breaking up with her former husband due to mistreatment, and Joe creates the opportunity that Janie has been […]
• “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora N. Hurston When Janie decides to move in with Tea Cake, she secretly conceals two hundred dollars in her shirt pocket, and fears to reveal the secret to Tea Cake. Tea Cake’s role in the novel is […]
• The Life of Zora Neale Hurston As Hurston later glorifies in her literary works, the town was the first to offer African Americans the chance to live freely and independent of the Whites, as they desired.
• The Use of Symbolism and Metaphors in “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Hurston
• The Use of Silence to Gain Power, and Power to Gain Voice in “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston
• True Love in “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston
• The Transformation of Janie in “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston
• The Significance of the Blue Dress in Hurston’s “Their Eyes Were Watching God” and “Seraph on the Suwa”
• The Struggle for Fulfillment in “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston
• Woman’s Search for Identity in Hurston’s “Seraph on the Suwanee” and “Their Eyes Were Watching God”
• The Sentiment of Oprah, Not Hurston in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”
• The Love and Relationship Dynamic in “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston
• The Life of American Women in Zora Neale Hurston’s “Their Eyes Were Watching God”
• The Dilemma of Control in “Their Eyes Were Watching God” and “Stranger in a Strange Land”
• The Life and Education of Zora Neale Hurston and Her Literary Work “Their Eyes Were Watching God”
• The Theme of the Individuality and Strength of Women in “Their Eyes Were Watching God” and “The Woman Warrior”
• What It Was Like to Live as a Black Woman in Zora Neale Hurston’s “Their Eyes Were Watching God”
• The Harlem Renaissance in “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston
• The Use of Motifs of Settings, Language, and Symbols in “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston
• The Problem of the Female: Marriage and “Sistergirl” Relationships in Zora Neale Hurston’s “Their Eyes Were Watching God”
• The Use of Southern Language and Dialect in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”
• The Unimportance of Riches in a Relationship, Portrayed in Zora Neale Hurston’s “Their Eyes Were Watching God”
• The Literary Symbols of Racial Health in “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston
• The Meaning of Love and Marriage in “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston
• The Issue of Domestic Violence in Zora Neale Hurston’s Novel “Their Eyes Were Watching God”
• The Three Marriages and Three Lessons in Hurston’s Book “Their Eyes Were Watching God”
• Voice and Language in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”
• The Role of Female as Explored in “The House of Mirth” and “Their Eyes Were Watching God”
• The Discrimination of Blacks by Whites in the Novel “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston
• Zora Hurston’s “Their Eyes Were Watching God” as a Creation Story
• The Depiction of Marriage in “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston
• Tone Analysis From a Passage in “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston
• The Concept of Idea in “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston
• The Value of Silence in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”
• The Maturity of Janie Through Her Marriage to Logan Killicks in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”
• The Use of Clothing in the Novel “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston
• The Theme of Friendship in Hurston’s “Their Eyes Were Watching God”
• Universal Themes of Womanhood Nora Zeale Hurston’s “Their Eyes Were Watching God”
• Women’s Inferiority to Men in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”
• Use of Metaphors in “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Hurston
• The Effects of Attitudes in “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston
• The Human Nature’s Quest for Happiness in “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston
• Wright’s Critiques on Hurston’s “Their Eyes Were Watching God”
• The Need for Power and Recognition of Joe in “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston
• The Imagery of Creation Myths in “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston
• Using Vernacular to Reflect Self Image in Zora Neale Hurston’s “Their Eyes Were Watching God”
• In What Ways Does Janie Violate Typical Gender Boundaries in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
• How Does Janie Develop Her Ideas of Love in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
• Why Do People Today Love “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
• How Does Love Influence Our Lives in the Story of “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
• What Are Traditional Stereotypes of Men and Women in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
• In What Ways Does Janie Fit the Typical Feminine Stereotype in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
• Is “Their Eyes Were Watching God” Primarily an Anti-Racism Novel?
• How Does Janie’s Identity Vacillate Between White and Black Factions in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
• To What Extent Is Janie’s Life Already Determined at Birth in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
• How Did Slaves’ Positions as a Sub-Class, Those Not Considered Human at All, Affect Nanny’s Outlook on Life?
• Does Joe Succeed in Achieving His Goals in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
• Why Does Janie Feel So Trapped in Her First Two Marriages in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
• How Is Race Generally Linked to Class in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
• Why Is Janie Happy Living With the Lowest of the Low Social Classes – The Migrant Workers in the Everglades?
• What Is the Significance of the Title “Their Eyes Were Watching God” to the Novel?
• Does Tea Cake Free Janie or Is It Just the Escape From Her First Two Husbands in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
• Why Did Hurston Include Mrs. Turner in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
• How Is Death Associated With Freedom, Especially in Janie’s Last Two Marriages in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
• What Does the Idea of the Horizon Symbolize for Janie in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
• How Does Janie’s Experience Under the Pear Tree Set Up Her Dreams in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
• What Role Does Mrs. Turner Play in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
• How Do Janie’s Visions and Hopes for Her Future Differ From the Hopes of Her Peers in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
• What Is the Role of the Porch Sitters in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
• How Does the Mule’s Treatment in Eatonville Reflect the Condition of the Black Female in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
• Is There a Moral in the Novel “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
• How Does the Porch Work as a Personified Symbol in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
• Is Nanny a Sympathetic Character in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
• At What Point Does the Division Between Men’s Activities and Women’s Activities Break Down in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
• Who Does the Pronoun in the Title Refer to in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
• Is Hurston’s Vision of God Religious or Secular in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
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IvyPanda . 2023. "84 Their Eyes Were Watching God Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." December 11, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/their-eyes-were-watching-god-essay-examples/.

1. IvyPanda . "84 Their Eyes Were Watching God Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." December 11, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/their-eyes-were-watching-god-essay-examples/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "84 Their Eyes Were Watching God Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." December 11, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/their-eyes-were-watching-god-essay-examples/.

Their Eyes Were Watching God

By zora neale hurston, their eyes were watching god study guide.

Hurston wrote Their Eyes in 1937 in only seven weeks while doing anthropological research in Haiti. When Zora Neale Hurston 's Their Eyes Were Watching God was first published in 1937, it did not receive the accolades and recognition that it receives today. White readers were much less critical of the novel than black readers, who felt that Hurston had not been harsh enough in her critique of the white treatment of blacks in the South. They felt that she painted too rosy a picture of black life in the South, betraying blacks by not portraying the ill-treatment and demoralization that they had suffered. In fact, one of the most prominent black writers and intellectuals of the late thirties, Richard Wright, said that Their Eyes was themeless and meaningless; he thought that by portraying her people as quaint, Hurston had exploited them.

In the early 1970s, professors of African-American and women's literature rediscovered Hurston's novel and began teaching it to students. The book had been out of print for many years, but newfound zeal for Hurston's work caused the book to be brought back into print first in 1971 and then permanently in 1975. Alice Walker (the author of The Color Purple ) was instrumental in bringing Their Eyes Were Watching God into the modern literary canon. She became Hurston's champion, searching the South for Hurston's unmarked grave, and inscribing on it: "Zora Neale Hurston, A Genius of the South."

Walker's characterization of Hurston as a southern writer was well-founded. Although she was born in Alabama, Hurston was raised in Eatonville, Florida, which was the first all-black city in America. The town was founded by a man named Joe Clarke (which has a similar ring to her novel's Joe Starks ), who was eventually elected mayor. Just as the townsfolk sit on Joe Starks's store porch in Their Eyes were Watching God, people would sit outside of Joe Clarke's store porch and tell stories about their lives and jokes about their neighbors.

Their Eyes Were Watching God Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for Their Eyes Were Watching God is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

Nature, in the form of buzzards, is able to articulate Janie's rage, and speak for the mule. The chief buzzard is seems like a religious figure; Hurston refers to him as the Parson. When the Parson asks what killed the mule, the other buzzard's...

What is the difference between men and women, according to the text,

I would say the closest is:

• Men are often secretly scared and self-doubting, whereas women are bold and brave

What kind of death has Janie witnessed?

Janie sees Joe's death. He died from kidney failure.

Study Guide for Their Eyes Were Watching God

Their Eyes Were Watching God study guide contains a biography of Zora Neale Hurston, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About Their Eyes Were Watching God
• Their Eyes Were Watching God Summary
• Character List

Essays for Their Eyes Were Watching God

Their Eyes Were Watching God literature essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Their Eyes Were Watching God.

• The Importance of Dreams
• Getting in Touch with the Feminine Side
• Living for Yourself in Their Eyes Were Watching God
• Their Eyes Were Watching God: Double Consciousness as an Indicator of Growth
• A Voice of Abandonment

Lesson Plan for Their Eyes Were Watching God

• About the Author
• Study Objectives
• Common Core Standards
• Introduction to Their Eyes Were Watching God
• Relationship to Other Books
• Bringing in Technology
• Notes to the Teacher
• Related Links
• Their Eyes Were Watching God Bibliography

Wikipedia Entries for Their Eyes Were Watching God

• Introduction
• Plot synopsis
• Inspirations and influences

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Chris Vognar , a freelance writer, was the 2009 Nieman Arts and Culture Fellow at Harvard University.

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