"Their Eyes Were Watching God"

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how Janie Crawford, an African-American woman, the main character of Zora Neale Hurston's "Their Eyes Were Watching God, strives all her life to find her own voice and self-realization". In particular, it focuses on the roles that Janie's Nanny, Logan, Jody, Tea Cake, and Pheoby, play Janie's life and how they affect her identity development either positively or negatively.

From the Paper:

"Janie's grandmother, whom she refers to as "Nanny" takes the position as Janie's guardian. Nanny not only spoils Janie, but also makes life choices for her. Nanny is old, and she only wants the best for her grandchild, for she knows that the world is a cruel place. Nanny makes the mistake of not allowing Janie to learn anything on her own. Nanny, who was enslaved most of her lifetime, told Janie that a woman can only be happy when she marries someone who can provide her wealth, property, and security. Nanny knew nothing about love since she never experienced it and believed that love is unnecessary for her as well as for Janie. Grandma makes the decisions which she believe to be right, not the decisions which Janie wants. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Hurston, Zora Neale. Their Eyes Were Watching God. 1937. New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 1990.

More papers on "Their Eyes Were Watching God":

• Book Review # 32428 : " "Their Eyes Were Watching God"
• Book Review # 90102 : "'Their Eyes Were Watching God' "
• Analytical Essay # 61896 : "Their Eyes Were Watching God" and Voices of Characters"
• Analytical Essay # 61210 : "Their Eyes Were Watching God" and Spiritual Development"

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