"Their Eyes Were Watching God": Symbolism in Hurston's Novel

Zora Neale Hurston's novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God" is a rich tapestry of symbolism that adds depth and layers of meaning to the narrative. Through a masterful use of symbolism, Hurston captures the essence of characters, themes, and the broader human experience. This essay delves into the symbolic elements in the novel, exploring the significance of Janie's hair, the horizon, and the pear tree, among others.

Janie's Hair

Janie's hair serves as a powerful symbol of her identity and her journey towards self-discovery. At the beginning of the novel, Janie's grandmother, Nanny, associates Janie's hair with societal notions of beauty and respectability. Nanny's ideals lead her to manipulate Janie's life choices, particularly in terms of marriage.

As the story unfolds, Janie's hair becomes a representation of her liberation. When she lets down her hair in front of Tea Cake, it symbolizes her breaking free from societal expectations and embracing her true self. Her hair's transformation from being tied up to flowing freely reflects her growing agency and willingness to defy convention. Janie's hair, therefore, embodies her journey towards self-acceptance and empowerment.

The Horizon

The horizon is a recurring motif that symbolizes Janie's aspirations and desires for a fulfilling life. Janie's conversation with her grandmother about "mooning" over the horizon reveals her longing for something greater than the traditional roles society dictates for her. Her observation that black women are the "mules of the world" underscores her desire to break free from this oppression and seek her own path.

The horizon also reflects Janie's quest for love and fulfillment. Throughout the novel, she searches for a love that aligns with her own desires rather than societal expectations. The horizon represents the limitless possibilities that lie beyond the constraints of her past and the rigid roles imposed on her. Her realization of the horizon's significance marks her journey towards independence and the pursuit of her own dreams.

The Pear Tree

The pear tree is a potent symbol that represents Janie's ideal of romantic love and sensuality. Janie's observation of bees pollinating pear blossoms introduces her to the concept of love and attraction. The tree becomes a representation of Janie's desire for a love that is harmonious, passionate, and reciprocal.

Janie's marriage to Logan Killicks and later to Jody Starks exposes the discrepancy between her romantic ideals and the reality of her relationships. The pear tree remains a symbol of Janie's unfulfilled yearnings. Her eventual relationship with Tea Cake is the realization of the love she envisions beneath the pear tree—a love that is rooted in mutual respect, shared experiences, and a genuine connection.

The Hurricane

The hurricane is a symbol of nature's uncontrollable and destructive force, but it also represents the unpredictability of life. The hurricane's approach mirrors the storm brewing within Janie and Tea Cake's relationship. While it brings devastation, it also serves as a catalyst for Janie's final understanding of love, loss, and her own resilience.

Janie's ability to survive the hurricane signifies her inner strength and growth. Just as she weathers the storm, she emerges from her trials with a deeper understanding of herself and her place in the world. The hurricane's aftermath becomes a transformative moment, marking the end of one chapter in Janie's life and the beginning of another.

Conclusion

Zora Neale Hurston's use of symbolism in "Their Eyes Were Watching God" adds layers of depth and complexity to the novel's themes and characters. The symbols of Janie's hair, the horizon, the pear tree, and the hurricane encapsulate her journey towards self-discovery, love, and resilience.

These symbols serve as vehicles through which Janie's growth and transformation are conveyed to readers. By infusing everyday objects and natural phenomena with profound meaning, Hurston invites readers to engage with the novel's themes on a deeper level, prompting contemplation about love, identity, and the human experience.

References

• Hurston, Z. N. (1937). Their Eyes Were Watching God. J.B. Lippincott.
• Walker, A. (1997). Zora Neale Hurston: A Cautionary Tale and a Partisan View. In Modern Critical Views: Zora Neale Hurston (pp. 71-82). Chelsea House.
• Lyons, B. (1995). "If You See a Whole Thing," Janie, You've Seen Some Things. African American Review, 29(2), 185-195.
• Lowe, J. (2006). Pear Trees and Possibilities: Janie's Sexual Awakening in Their Eyes Were Watching God. African American Review, 40(1), 135-146.
• Wall, C. A. (2010). Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God: A Casebook. Oxford University Press.