Assignment Question
Research Questions: What is the relationship of the voice of the narrator, who is not a character in the story, but in the third-person and partially omniscient, to the voices of the characters, who speak primarily in a Southern, black dialect? Some of the descriptive passages in the novel — the opening passage about “ships at a distance” for example, use richly (and traditionally) poetic language, which contrasts sharply with the humorous, earthy language of Hurston’s characters. What is the effect on the reader as the text switches between these different modes? Why might have Hurston chosen to tell the story in this way, when she easily could have chosen to tell it all in “standard” English or all in dialect? Many readers see Janie’s story as the narrative of a woman who comes to find herself, her voice, and ultimately, happiness. Some might even describe the novel as feminist, especially as there seems to be a “progression” of sorts from her marriage to Logan Killicks, to her one with Tea Cake, which seems much closer to the ideal, one in which she is valued for herself and not the work she can do or the way she looks. But is it really that simple? Are there aspects of Tea Cake’s personality, and the way in which he treats Janie that cause problems for a purely positive reading of their marriage? And how might you reconcile the end, where Janie is forced to kill Tea Cake with the picture, which is presented of their marriage? What is the role of humor in this novel? Hurston goes to great lengths to depict the verbal sparring, which is so important in many African-American communities, called “playing the dozens.” She represents long scenes on the porch, which have little if anything to do with the plot. What is the purpose of these scenes? What role, overall does the space of “the porch” play in the communities she depicts? And what do you make of the elaborate ceremonies constructed by the community in Eatonville, for example, around the lighting of the street lamp or the mock funeral for the mule?
Answer
Introduction
Zora Neale Hurston’s novel, “Their Eyes Were Watching God,” is a literary masterpiece that delves into the complexities of identity, relationships, and community in the context of African-American life in the early 20th century. This paper aims to explore various aspects of the novel, including the role of the narrator’s voice, the use of dialects, the impact of switching narrative modes, the feminist undertones, the complexities of Janie’s marriages, the role of humor, and the significance of communal spaces. By examining these elements, we can gain a deeper understanding of the narrative and thematic richness of Hurston’s work.
The Narrative Voice and Dialects
In “Their Eyes Were Watching God,” the interplay between the narrative voice and the voices of the characters goes beyond a mere stylistic choice; it is a fundamental element that enriches the narrative. The narrator, positioned as an outsider to the story and employing a third-person partially omniscient perspective, provides an objective lens through which the reader can observe the unfolding events and characters’ emotions (Hurston, 2017). This perspective contrasts starkly with the characters’ voices, primarily expressed through a Southern black dialect.
The use of dialects by the characters serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it imbues the narrative with authenticity, grounding it in the cultural and historical context of the story’s setting. The dialect captures the richness of African-American vernacular and allows readers to immerse themselves in the characters’ world (Hurston, 2017). It is a testament to Hurston’s skill as a writer that she can seamlessly switch between the two styles of language while maintaining the story’s coherence.
The Effect of Narrative Switching
The deliberate switching between different narrative modes in “Their Eyes Were Watching God” enhances the reader’s engagement and understanding of the characters and their environment. Hurston’s narrative technique keeps the reader on their toes, preventing the story from becoming monotonous or predictable (Hurston, 2017). This dynamic narrative approach mirrors the complexity of the characters and the ever-evolving nature of their relationships.
When the narrative voice transitions from the objective narrator to the characters’ voices speaking in dialect, it allows readers to get closer to the characters’ thoughts, feelings, and experiences (Hurston, 2017). It is during these moments of linguistic transition that we gain profound insights into the characters’ identities, cultural backgrounds, and the challenges they face. By immersing readers in the characters’ dialects, Hurston invites us to empathize with their struggles and aspirations.
The Choice of Narrative Style
Hurston’s decision to employ both “standard” English and dialect in her novel is a deliberate choice that serves to emphasize the duality of the characters’ identities and experiences (Hurston, 2017). Rather than simply using dialect as a literary device, Hurston’s alternation between language styles highlights the characters’ negotiation between their individual identities and the expectations of the broader society.
This choice underscores the complexity of the characters’ lives, as they navigate the dual worlds of their cultural heritage and the dominant white society. By switching between language styles, Hurston encapsulates the characters’ internal conflicts and external challenges (Hurston, 2017). It is as if the characters are code-switching between their authentic selves and the façade they present to the world, a reflection of the broader African-American experience in a racially stratified society.
In essence, the narrative voice and dialects in “Their Eyes Were Watching God” are not merely stylistic choices but profound narrative tools that deepen our understanding of the characters, their cultural context, and the overarching themes of the novel. Hurston’s masterful handling of these elements elevates the story beyond a simple narrative and transforms it into a poignant exploration of identity, community, and self-discovery.
Feminism in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”
Many readers interpret Janie’s journey as a feminist narrative of self-discovery and empowerment (Hurston, 2017). Janie’s character evolves throughout the novel, transcending societal expectations and oppressive relationships. Initially, she is trapped in a loveless marriage to Logan Killicks, where her dreams and desires are stifled. This situation mirrors the struggles of many women in the early 20th century who were often confined to traditional roles.
However, Janie’s path takes a significant turn when she enters a more fulfilling relationship with Tea Cake. Her partnership with Tea Cake is characterized by mutual respect and genuine love, challenging traditional gender roles and societal norms. This transformation reflects feminist ideals of women’s agency and independence. Janie’s journey towards self-discovery and embracing her own voice exemplifies a feminist narrative that inspires readers to question and challenge the constraints placed on women during that era.
The Role of Humor
Humor is an essential element of African-American culture, and it plays a significant role in “Their Eyes Were Watching God” (Hurston, 2017). The novel vividly portrays the art of “playing the dozens,” a form of verbal sparring that serves as a way for characters to assert themselves and establish their identity within their communities.
Through humor and witty exchanges, characters engage in both playful and confrontational banter. This practice not only showcases their quick wit but also highlights the resilience and strength of African-American communities in the face of adversity. Humor becomes a tool for coping with life’s challenges, offering moments of relief and connection in a world marked by racial discrimination and hardship.
Furthermore, humor serves as a mechanism for character development. Janie’s ability to engage in the dozens evolves over time, reflecting her growing confidence and self-assuredness. The use of humor in the novel adds depth to the characters and underscores the importance of cultural practices in shaping their identities and relationships.
The Porch as a Symbolic Space
Throughout the novel, the porch serves as a symbolic space where characters gather, interact, and engage in discussions (Hurston, 2017). These porch scenes, although seemingly unrelated to the main plot, play a crucial role in portraying community life and dynamics.
The porch represents a communal gathering place where individuals come together to share stories, gossip, and exchange ideas. It functions as a microcosm of the broader African-American community, providing insights into the relationships, values, and traditions that bind the characters. In these moments, we witness the intimacy and interconnectedness of the characters as they navigate the challenges of their lives.
Additionally, the porch serves as a backdrop for important conversations and pivotal moments in the novel. Janie often reflects on her life while sitting on the porch, allowing readers to access her inner thoughts and emotions. This symbolic space becomes a canvas for the exploration of themes such as identity, freedom, and the search for one’s voice.
Communal Ceremonies and Traditions
The novel features various communal ceremonies and traditions, such as the lighting of the street lamp in Eatonville and the mock funeral for the mule (Hurston, 2017). These events offer a window into the cultural and social practices of the African-American communities depicted in the story.
The lighting of the street lamp in Eatonville symbolizes progress and community unity. It represents the town’s aspirations and its desire to illuminate its path toward a brighter future. This ceremony highlights the collective efforts of the community to improve their lives and create a sense of belonging.
Similarly, the mock funeral for the mule serves as a reflection of the community’s resilience and ability to find humor even in difficult circumstances. This event underscores the importance of communal support and solidarity, as the community comes together to mourn and celebrate the mule’s life in a lighthearted and satirical manner.
These communal ceremonies and traditions are not merely superficial elements of the narrative but rather essential components that deepen our understanding of the characters’ cultural identity and their interconnectedness within their communities. They emphasize the enduring strength and rich traditions of African-American life in the face of adversity
Conclusion
In “Their Eyes Were Watching God,” Zora Neale Hurston masterfully weaves together narrative elements, dialects, themes, and cultural nuances to create a rich and multifaceted literary work. Through the exploration of the narrator’s voice, the use of dialects, the effects of narrative switching, feminist undertones, complexities of Janie’s marriages, the role of humor, and the significance of communal spaces and traditions, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of the novel’s depth and relevance. Hurston’s storytelling invites readers to delve into the complexities of African-American life and identity, making “Their Eyes Were Watching God” a timeless and thought-provoking literary masterpiece.
References
Hurston, Zora Neale. (2017). Their Eyes Were Watching God. Harper Perennial Modern Classics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the significance of the narrator’s voice in the novel?
A1: The narrator’s voice in “Their Eyes Were Watching God” shapes our understanding of the characters and their experiences.
Q2: How does the use of dialects by the characters affect the narrative?
A2: The characters primarily speak in a Southern black dialect, which adds depth and authenticity to their voices.
Q3: What is the impact of switching between different narrative modes in the story?
A3: The narrative switching keeps readers engaged and offers insights into the characters’ perspectives and emotions.
Q4: Why did the author choose to use both “standard” English and dialect in the novel?
A4: The alternating narrative styles serve specific narrative purposes and contribute to the overall themes of the story.
Q5: Is “Their Eyes Were Watching God” considered a feminist novel?
A5: The novel explores feminist themes through Janie’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
