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Vernacular English In Hurston

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This use of vernacular English creates an authentic depiction of Black culture during this time. Hurston’s choice to use vernacular English illustrates the individuality of each character, as well as depicts the local color and adds cultural significance to the novel. Although critics disagree with Hurston’s diction, without it her colorful language and biblical imagery would have been diminished.

Throughout the novel each character’s unique traits are displayed through their language and it is used to establish their role in the book. The reader can observe Janie’s dynamics with any character in the book based on how she interacts with them, as well as if she chooses to be confident or submissive around them. An example of this is seen

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