Their Eyes Were Watching God Analysis

Janie's Return to Eatonville

• Janie faces gossip from local women upon returning to town after leaving with a younger man.

Key Characters

• Phoeby Watson is Janie's loyal friend who advocates for her in the face of community judgment.
• Janie's childhood nickname, "Alphabet," reflects her early complexities and struggles with identity.

Symbolism

• The blossoming pear tree symbolizes Janie's ideals of love, desire, and the passion she associates with marriage.
• Janie's freedom is represented by her hair, which is a sign of her individuality.

Nanny's Influence

• Nanny believes Janie becomes a woman upon witnessing her kiss with Johnny Taylor.
• Nanny insists Janie marry Logan Killicks to ensure her financial security and prevent her from marrying someone of low class.

Family Background

• Janie is descended from a slave-owner, her grandfather, who raped Nanny.
• Nanny hid Janie's mother, Leafy, in leafy moss during her escape from plantation life.

Marital Discontent

• After marrying Logan, Janie feels unfulfilled and visits her grandmother due to her disappointment over the lack of love in her marriage.
• Janie ultimately decides to leave Logan Killicks after he becomes increasingly demanding and threatens her safety.

New Beginnings

• Janie attracts Joe Starks' attention while pumping water, showcasing her strength and allure.
• The act of opening the gate symbolizes her departure from a stifling situation and the pursuit of new opportunities.

Joe Starks' Role

• Janie and Joe marry in Green Cove Springs; Joe becomes the first mayor of Eatonville.
• He establishes vital infrastructure in Eatonville, including a store, a street lamp, and a post office.

Historical Context

• The Harlem Renaissance (post-World War I to mid-1930s) fostered a new cultural identity for African Americans, enriching literature and the arts.
• This movement was a response to the Great Migration, where millions of African Americans moved north seeking better opportunities and civil rights.
• The onset of the Great Depression in 1929 marked the decline of the Harlem Renaissance, as economic hardship impacted artistic endeavors.

Dive into the complexities of Janie's return to Eatonville and the challenges she faces. Explore key characters, symbolism, and the impact of family background on her journey to self-discovery. Gain insights into themes of love, freedom, and societal judgment throughout Zora Neale Hurston's masterpiece.