Their eyes were watching God, a novel written by Zora Neale Hurston, focuses on the experiences and life of Janie Starks in 20th-century southern Florida. Among the book’s important issues is the exploration of conventional gender norms, particularly how stereotypes about male and female relationships benefit males and devalue women. Janie’s string of connections with several men, including Johnny Taylor, Logan Killicks, Jody Starks, and Tea Cake, drive the storyline of the book (Hurston, 1991). Starting with the marriage with Logan Killicks, the readers follow the path of Janie, her disappointment and her pain. In a sense, the book is an illustration of the main heroine’s journey toward spiritual growth and satisfaction. Thus, toward the end, Janie Starks is shown as a strong woman who not only experienced abuse and the death of her husbands but also periods of being alone, showing that love can be found within oneself.
Hence, Janie Starks emerges as a formidable character who not only endured abuse and the deaths of her husbands but also times of solitude, demonstrating that love may be found within oneself. In the beginning, the readers see Janie’s well-meaning grandmother arranging the young woman’s marriage to Logan Killicks. However, this marriage involves not only boredom but abuse as well. Following such a disappointing marriage, Janie starts a relationship with Joe Starks, who frequently silences the woman and suffocates her with his constant toxicity. In the end, Janie finds a way to obtain self-expression and deep passion in her partnership with Tea Cake and, to a greater extent, following his passing. A young heroine was able to grow from a vulnerable individual into a self-sufficient and free woman.
Reference
Hurston, Z. N. (1991). Their eyes were watching God. University of Illinois Press.