Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God is regarded as one of the great works of 20th-century African American literature, along with writers such as Toni Morrison, Alice Walker and Ralph Ellison. The novel follows Janie Mae Crawford, a strong-willed African American woman living in the South during the early 20th century. Through her story, Hurston paints a portrait of a woman determined to follow her heart and realize her own sense of worth and identity, no matter the obstacles.
The novel begins with Janie Mae's return to Eatonville, Florida, her hometown. Janie is in her early thirties, and the townspeople gossip about her past. Janie's grandmother, Nanny, had forced her to marry a much older widowed farmer as a way to assure her future. Nanny was desperate to protect Janie after she had been lived in poverty since she was a child. This loveless marriage gave Janie the security that she needed, but it failed to provide her with the kind of love and companionship she craved.
As the novel progresses, Janie embarks on two more marriages, this time of her own choosing. First, she marries the town's mayor and local entrepreneur, Joe Starks. Janie quickly realizes that Joe is a domineering and controlling partner who wants Janie to serve as his arm candy and nothing else. For a time, Janie submits to Joe's demands, but as she begins to take control of her own life she starts to push back against his rules and expectations.
On her way to a picnic in the nearby woods, she meets the charming and soft-spoken laborer, Tea Cake. Janie and Tea Cake fall in love very quickly, and Janie decides to leave Joe to pursue a relationship with Tea Cake. Janie and Tea Cake move away from Eatonville and stay in Jackson Bluff, where they find a measure of freedom and joy that had been denied to Janie before. They live in rural simplicity, and Janie blossoms in her newfound freedom. She also experiences her first true sexual awakening.
Sadly, however, their bliss does not last. A plague of the deadly “Okeechobee” hurricane devastates the area and nearly takes Janie's life. In the aftermath of the storm, Janie is tested as she realizes that she must fight for her life, and Tea Cake's sanity begins to slip away. Although he ultimately dies at Janie's hands, it is with a hint of understanding and acceptance in his eyes.
Janie returns to Eatonville, her story being known by all. Through her experiences, Janie learned that she must remain true to herself, even in the face of social norms and expectations. Moreover, she comes to understand that she alone is responsible for her own destiny, her faith and her strength carrying her through difficult times.
In Their Eyes Were Watching God, Hurston captures the nuanced and subtle emotions of a traditional Southern African American woman of the early 20th century. The novel is remarkable for its insight into Janie’s journey; Hurston’s writing is bold, tender and honest. While the novel has garnered criticism over the years for its perceived portrayal of sexism, its larger message is clear: that of an independent black woman determined to realize her own worth.
This classic work of literature is a testament to the power of love, courage and fortitude in its universal messages of strength, identity and self-worth. Their Eyes Were Watching God stands as an essential exploration of womanhood, showcasing the power of resilience in a way that will inspire readers of all ages.
