Thursday, July 28, 2011

Who are "they"? And why are their eyes watching God?

Any time I begin a novel or poem I look to the title to foreshadow hints or clues as to the underlying meaning of the text. Their Eyes Were Watching God suggests that spirituality, religion, or faith will play a role in the book.  But, as I read the novel, I still find myself wondering what the title means. As stated in the previous post, Janie is on a physical as well as spiritual journey.  She is woman who believes in love and all of the power it holds. This is evident through the use of the metaphor of the pear tree and the bee.  Throughout most of the book, there appears to be little faith or spirituality mentioned. Perhaps this is because Janie has yet to find love in the novel.  Finally, in chapter eighteen, page 159, "Six eyes were watching God", makes reference to the title.  This is stated as the hurricane is approaching and the nature that Janie had revered as beauty in the form of the pear tree turns violent in the storm and eventually the mad dog with hatred in his eyes.  After her encounter with the staggering power of nature and the death of Tea Cake, Janie realizes that "true love" must be found within herself and no matter how much she or anyone believes they can control their own fate, that too, is left in the hands of God. 

As you read through the novel in what ways are those concepts (faith, fate, love, and spirituality) revealed? How does Tea Cake appear to control the fate of Janie and himself? After reading the novel, what do you think the title means?

Their Eyes Were Watching God

For many years this book has been a favorite of mine.  Each time I read it, I find something new that I like about the book, and each time I read the book, I interpret the book a little differently. I suppose that because who I am at each moment I am reading the book is different than it was when the book was previously read.  I think about the character of Janie and who she is throughout the story.  Remember, she is telling the story after it has already happened to her dear friend Phoeby.  I think about Janie's search for self and her search for her own voice.  At the start of the novel she is under the care of her grandmother and then married off to Logan Killicks who her grandmother thinks will be a suitable match for Janie.  In order to find her voice she must go on a journey both physically and spiritually.  She travels from her grandmother’s home to the “muck” and then back to Jody’s home in Eatonville to tell her story to her friend Phoeby.  Throughout her travels, she refers to the image of the blossoming pear tree, first mentioned on page ten.  The end of Janie's journey with Tea Cake seems far removed from the image of this blossoming pear tree, but I can't help but think it really is that pear tree she has been dreaming of.  The pear tree seems to be a symbol for freedom and expression and love.  In the muck, Janie is allowed freedoms she had never previously held.

After reading the novel how do you view Janie's search for herself? Do you think that she has truly found her perfect love in the muck with Tea Cake?  What does Tea Cake allow her to do that she had previously not been able to do?  What about the relationship between Tea Cake and Janie surprised you?
 
 The device of a flashback is used to tell Janie’s story. Remember that she is not telling the story as it is happening, but as it has already happened.  Why might Hurston, the author, choose this type of narration to tell the story of Janie?  Does this give Janie the role of guru (someone highly regarded for his/her wisdom who serves as a guide to others) because of her journey?

I look forward to hearing your responses - as always :)