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?