Their Eyes Were Watching God

Janie Crawford is a beautiful, assertive, middle-aged black lady who returns to her Florida home after years of absence. The town's residents speculate on her whereabouts. Amidst all these dramas, the storyline depicts a bold black woman's journey to independence and self-discovery. This is not an easy task, especially for a black woman (Bailey, np). All through her journey to self-identity, Janie finds herself in three marriages and later into her ancestry roots. This essay will analyze the portrayal of body image, independence, and symbolism in the novel, ‘Their Eyes Were Watching God’.

Body Image

 This book recounts and tells the oppressive reality of trying to shape a self-image which contradicts the norms of the society.  Patriarchy subdues the main character's voice and its tangible manifestations of domination deny Janie the chance to enjoy her body image. Nevertheless, against all the odds Janie reclaims her body image. She had to fight off racism and gendered cruelty (Hurston, np). In the 1930s, a woman's body belonged to a man implying the husband had total control over his wife. Returning home without a husband aroused suspicions among the residents. This only proved that Janie was not complete without her husband and her body image was seen in relation to a husband figure.

Persistently throughout the book, the main character’s second husband, Joe is evaluated in terms of his physical appearance. Janie is physically attracted to Joe. This physical attraction develops into respect and desire. On the train trip, Janie equates Joe’s physical appearance to financial stability. Later on, Joe becomes the mayor of a town these scenes signify the influence of body image on personal life (Marquis, p81). Janie loves Joe due to a body image that depicted financial stability. Moreover, body image can be evident through the reactions of other characters such as Hezekiah. Hezekiah recounts Mr. Stark’s fond memories of Joe’s potbelly. Also, Janie openly disrespects Joe in front of his peers and this destroys his robust male image. In other words, body image pushes Janie to get into a marriage with Joe and also manifests oppression her oppression in a male-dominated society.

Independence

Janie’s sexual escapades and experiences have been a source of criticism in her life. The primary unwillingness to look at her as a person with justifiable sexual needs unveils a barrage of racism and a patriarchal society. The ancient stereotypes associated with sexual desires are some of the issues unfairly heaped on Janie. No one looks at her as a human being but a woman who is to be controlled. The sexual exploitation of the black woman is brought to light by the simple fact that Joe subdues Janie and does not give her any space to become her own woman. With time her identity cripples (Crabtree, 58). Society norms force Janie to hide her sexual desires and her underlying challenges. The Pear Tree symbolizes hidden sexuality. In her teenage years, Janie would lie under the tree's shade and her experience hides her sexual desires and need for a perfect relationship. Thus, she hides her human needs so that she can fit into the societal way of life. Anyone who breaks cultural norms may be deemed as an outsider hence the sheer need to stay within the confines of things which seem acceptable by the people and society as a whole.

Symbolism

 As stated earlier, the author joints Janie’s sexuality with that of a pear tree. The tree orgasm is conveyed as Janie’s orgasm. For instance, Janie’s sexual reawakening triggers romance and marriage to Joe. Hence, the transformation and her growth as a person are tied to the transformation of the pear tree (Bailey np). Moreover, Janie's relationship and pear tree symbolism reappear when she meets Teacake, a man she falls in love with after being in two abusive relationships with men who believed in subduing the woman. Janie perceives that a woman's thoughts are similar to that of a Teacake. Additionally, a Teacake is sexual fantasy and brings out Janie's sexual side which in turn regurgitates her sense of wellbeing and life. Janie is able to put away regretful memories and consider a better life with future husbands or lovers. Her desire for tea also symbolizes and reinforces sensual descriptions and symbolism of the pear tree. This symbolisms allow Janie to find herself image living in a free world and unbothered by patriarchy (Crabtree, 57). The use of symbolism was able to break the societal norms and give the author a channel to drive the story into the openness and sincerity of the Janie. Most of the time blossoming connotes rebirth and youthful years of a woman. The Journey to self-identification is one way of ensuring that a woman remains authentic and unaverred by negative opinions from naysayers. Hence, symbolism and imagery defies usual norms cemented through years of patriarchy and conceptualizes the need to move on and build a new society away from the prying disapproving eyes. All in all, the Janie obtains power through the application of symbolism to her story.

Conclusion

  Janie is the central character in ‘Their Eyes Were Watching God’ and drives the narrative of the story forward. She was able to make her own path in life despite of all odds being against her. Her resilience, patience and courage drove her to become leave abusive patriarchal marriages and find her way through life. Against a harsh environment, Janie expresses her freedom through her independent actions and sexual choices. Even though some members of the society deem her an outcast, she does not shy away from her quest for liberty and self-identity.

 

Works cited

Bailey, Amanda. "Necessary Narration in Their Eyes Were Watching God." The Comparatist 40 (2016): n.p

Crabtree, Claire. "The Confluence of Folklore, Feminism and Black Self-Determination in Zora Neale Hurston's" Their Eyes Were Watching God"." The Southern literary journal (1985): 54-66.

Hurston, Zora Neale. Zora Neale Hurston: A Life in Letters. Anchor, 189-1960

Marquis, Margaret. "When De Notion Strikes Me": Body Image, Food, and Desire in" Their Eyes Were Watching God." The Southern Literary Journal 35.2 (2003): 79-88.