Character Development, Themes, and Symbolism in Their Eyes Were Watching God

Their Eyes Were Watching God: A Study of Character Development, Themes, and Symbolism

Zora Neale Hurston's novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God," published in 1937, provides readers with a rich exploration of character development, themes, and symbolism within the context of African American culture during the early 20th century. This literary work is centered around the life and experiences of Janie Crawford, who endures love affairs that distort her identity until she reaches self-understanding through emotional independence. Here, we delve into these aspects of the novel, examining the character development of Janie Crawford, the overarching themes present, and the significance of various symbols used by Hurston.

Character Development

Janie Crawford evolves from an innocent child into a mature woman whose understanding of herself is shaped by the love relationships she encounters throughout her life. Her first marriage to Logan Killicks introduces us to a young girl seeking the security of a stable domestic life, but it ultimately fails due to a lack of compatibility between the couple. After divorcing Killicks, Janie marries Jody Starks, a wealthy landowner, who attempts to mold Janie into his vision of a traditional wife, but this union also eventually dissolves due to their conflicting desires and aspirations. By exploring these relationships, Hurston highlights how societal expectations can limit personal growth and undermine individuality.

The third relationship Janie has, with Tea Cake Woods, is markedly different. Unlike the previous two husbands, Tea Cake sees Janie as more than just a trophy wife, recognizing her as a human being worthy of respect and companionship. Although flawed, Tea Cake offers Janie the opportunity to experience love and companionship without societal pressures. However, tragedy strikes when they encounter a hurricane, leaving Janie alone once again. Despite the pain of losing another loved one, Janie emerges stronger after each failed relationship, marking her transformation into a fully realized character.

Themes

Self-Discovery

A central theme in "Their Eyes Were Watching God" is Janie's journey towards self-discovery. As she grows older, Janie learns to navigate life's complexities and, most importantly, develops a sense of self apart from the expectations society imposes upon women. Through trial and error, Janie begins to understand what really matters in her own life and becomes resilient in pursuing it.

Community

Hurston also explores the role played by community dynamics in shaping characters. As Janie navigates her relationships both within her family and in larger communities, we see how society shapes her decisions and actions, whether through subtle disapproval or blatant prejudice. In learning to stand up against these external forces, Janie builds a foundation for personal strength.

Love

Love is another prominent theme in the novel, which plays out in various forms. From her first romantic relationship to her final moments with Tea Cake, Janie's ability to connect deeply with others illustrates the transformative power of love not just in her individual growth but also in our collective understanding of social structures. Hurston effectively uses the evolution of Janie's loves to underscore how personal connections shape individual lives and broader societal norms.

Symbolism

Symbolism is prevalent throughout the novel, often intertwined with the themes mentioned above. One significant example is how Janie witnesses the moon rising while walking home after her first sexual encounter with Vergible DeBats. The scene underscores her awakening as a woman and serves as a reminder of her desire for autonomy. Additionally, the "pearl tree" represents womanhood and temptation. When Janie decides to climb the pear tree despite Nanny's warnings, she embarks on a path toward self-awareness that will ultimately lead her away from her traditional community and into modern society.

Another symbolic motif found in the novel is the presence of birds. Birds represent freedom and flight, encouraging readers to envision new ways of viewing Janie's life and the world around them. Various bird species appear throughout the novel, highlighting Janie's changes in perspective and representing her growing acceptance of all aspects of life, including suffering and loss.

In conclusion, Zora Neale Hurston's "Their Eyes Were Watching God" masterfully crafts a narrative that captures the essence of character development, themes, and symbolism. Through its protagonist Janie Crawford, the story demonstrates the journey towards self-discovery and independence while showcasing the complex nature of love and community. With vivid descriptions and powerful imagery, Hurston creates a timeless tale that continues to resonate with readers today.