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Their Eyes Were Watching God Language Analysis

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For some readers, Zora Neale Hurston’s novel Their Eyes Were Watching God falls short of challenging the outdated societal views of the 1930s in any meaningful way. However, for many other people, it has clear value as a piece of literature that explores sexism and racism through symbolism and the characters’ actions. Hurston utilizes language in her novel as a symbol of the power, or lack of power, that certain groups of people held in society during the 1930s. In some sections of the book, this symbolism relates to women’s lack of power. Throughout her marriage with Joe Starks in particular, Janie is controlled with verbal abuse and manipulation; Joe’s voice represents his power over her. He repeatedly tells her not to speak in public

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Their Eyes Were Watching God Language Analysis

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Their Eyes Were Watching God Language Analysis

...Silence is a brings forth a controversial topic discussing whether it is a mechanism for control or a vehicle for liberation. Throughout the novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God, by Zora Neale Hurston, supports both arguments with a myriad of examples. An unknown voice narrates Janie's story, which has many dominating influences that are able to use the power of speech to take control. Consequently, Janie remains reserved for most of the novel, and she pays the price for her silent consent. When Janie was vocal with her opinions, she was able to determine her own future. Speech is the most influential tool to determine power, and Janie was able to liberate herself of her misery when she was vocal, yet her silence was taken advantage of, so she was a pawn in her own life. Upon being given orders to move a manure pile, Janie had come to the end of her patience with her marriage to Logan Killicks....

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