Read The Excerpt From Their Eyes Were Watching God:Mrs. Turner, Like All Other Believers, Had Built An Altar To The Unattainable—Caucasian Characteristics. Her God Would Smite Her, Would Hurl Her From Pinnacles And Lose Her In Deserts, But She Would
The Unattainable: Exploring the Theme of Racial Identity in Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God
Introduction
Zora Neale Hurston's novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God, is a powerful exploration of the African American experience in the early 20th century. Through the eyes of its protagonist, Janie Crawford, the novel delves into themes of love, identity, and the struggle for self-discovery. One of the most significant themes in the novel is the concept of racial identity, particularly in the context of the African American community's desire for Caucasian characteristics. In this article, we will explore the excerpt from the novel that highlights this theme and examine its significance in the context of the novel as a whole.
The Unattainable: A Reflection of Societal Pressure
The excerpt from Their Eyes Were Watching God reads: "Mrs. Turner, like all other believers, had built an altar to the unattainable—Caucasian characteristics. Her god would smite her, would hurl her from pinnacles and lose her in deserts, but she would not be satisfied until she had achieved the impossible." This passage highlights the societal pressure placed on African Americans to conform to Caucasian standards of beauty and identity. The idea of building an altar to the unattainable suggests a deep-seated desire to be something that one is not, and the consequences of this desire are severe.
The Consequences of Desiring the Unattainable
The consequences of desiring the unattainable are multifaceted and far-reaching. On one hand, the desire for Caucasian characteristics can lead to a sense of disconnection from one's own identity and culture. As Mrs. Turner's actions suggest, the pursuit of something that is unattainable can lead to feelings of frustration, anger, and disappointment. On the other hand, the desire for Caucasian characteristics can also lead to a sense of self-loathing and shame. As Janie Crawford notes, "I had to think of a way to get out of there, to get away from the people who were trying to make me into something I wasn't."
The Significance of Racial Identity in the Novel
The theme of racial identity is significant in Their Eyes Were Watching God because it highlights the tension between the desire for self-discovery and the pressure to conform to societal norms. Janie's journey is one of self-discovery, as she navigates the complexities of her own identity and the expectations placed upon her by others. Through her experiences, Hurston highlights the importance of embracing one's own identity and culture, rather than trying to conform to the standards of others.
The Impact of Racial Identity on Relationships
The theme of racial identity also has a significant impact on relationships in the novel. Janie's relationships with her husbands, Logan and Tea Cake, are marked by a sense of disconnection and misunderstanding. Logan, who is a wealthy and educated man, sees Janie as a means to an end, rather than as a person in her own right. Tea Cake, on the other hand, is more accepting of Janie's identity and culture, but his own identity is also marked by a sense of disconnection from his own heritage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the theme of racial identity is a significant one in Their Eyes Were Watching God. Through the eyes of Janie Crawford, Hurston highlights the tension between the desire for self-discovery and the pressure to conform to societal norms. The excerpt from the novel that reads "Mrs. Turner, like all other believers, had built an altar to the unattainable—Caucasian characteristics" is a powerful reflection of this theme, and serves as a reminder of the importance of embracing one's own identity and culture.
The Significance of the Novel in the Context of American Literature
Their Eyes Were Watching God is a significant novel in the context of American literature because it provides a powerful exploration of the African American experience. Through its themes of love, identity, and self-discovery, the novel highlights the complexities of the human experience and the importance of embracing one's own identity and culture. The novel's exploration of racial identity is particularly significant, as it highlights the tension between the desire for self-discovery and the pressure to conform to societal norms.
The Impact of the Novel on American Culture
The impact of Their Eyes Were Watching God on American culture has been significant. The novel has been widely read and studied, and its themes of love, identity, and self-discovery have resonated with readers across the country. The novel's exploration of racial identity has also had a significant impact on American culture, as it highlights the importance of embracing one's own identity and culture.
The Legacy of the Novel
The legacy of Their Eyes Were Watching God is a significant one. The novel has been widely read and studied, and its themes of love, identity, and self-discovery continue to resonate with readers today. The novel's exploration of racial identity has also had a significant impact on American culture, as it highlights the importance of embracing one's own identity and culture.
The Significance of the Novel in the Context of Feminist Literature
Their Eyes Were Watching God is also a significant novel in the context of feminist literature. The novel's exploration of Janie's experiences as a woman in a patriarchal society highlights the importance of female empowerment and self-discovery. The novel's themes of love, identity, and self-discovery are also significant in the context of feminist literature, as they highlight the importance of embracing one's own identity and culture.
The Impact of the Novel on Feminist Culture
The impact of Their Eyes Were Watching God on feminist culture has been significant. The novel's exploration of Janie's experiences as a woman in a patriarchal society has resonated with readers across the country, and its themes of love, identity, and self-discovery continue to inspire feminist scholars and activists today.
The Legacy of the Novel in the Context of Feminist Literature
The legacy of Their Eyes Were Watching God in the context of feminist literature is a significant one. The novel's exploration of Janie's experiences as a woman in a patriarchal society continues to inspire feminist scholars and activists today, and its themes of love, identity, and self-discovery remain a powerful reminder of the importance of female empowerment and self-discovery.
The Significance of the Novel in the Context of African American Literature
Their Eyes Were Watching God is also a significant novel in the context of African American literature. The novel's exploration of Janie's experiences as an African American woman in a patriarchal society highlights the importance of embracing one's own identity and culture. The novel's themes of love, identity, and self-discovery are also significant in the context of African American literature, as they highlight the importance of self-discovery and empowerment.
The Impact of the Novel on African American Culture
The impact of Their Eyes Were Watching God on African American culture has been significant. The novel's exploration of Janie's experiences as an African American woman in a patriarchal society has resonated with readers across the country, and its themes of love, identity, and self-discovery continue to inspire African American scholars and activists today.
The Legacy of the Novel in the Context of African American Literature
The legacy of Their Eyes Were Watching God in the context of African American literature is a significant one. The novel's exploration of Janie's experiences as an African American woman in a patriarchal society continues to inspire African American scholars and activists today, and its themes of love, identity, and self-discovery remain a powerful reminder of the importance of self-discovery and empowerment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Their Eyes Were Watching God is a significant novel in the context of American literature, feminist literature, and African American literature. The novel's exploration of Janie's experiences as a woman in a patriarchal society highlights the importance of embracing one's own identity and culture. The novel's themes of love, identity, and self-discovery continue to resonate with readers today, and its legacy in the context of feminist literature and African American literature is a significant one.
Q&A: Exploring the Themes of Their Eyes Were Watching God
Introduction
Zora Neale Hurston's novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God, is a powerful exploration of the African American experience in the early 20th century. Through the eyes of its protagonist, Janie Crawford, the novel delves into themes of love, identity, and the struggle for self-discovery. In this Q&A article, we will explore some of the most significant themes and questions raised by the novel.
Q: What is the significance of the title, "Their Eyes Were Watching God"?
A: The title, "Their Eyes Were Watching God", is significant because it highlights the theme of surveillance and judgment that pervades the novel. The eyes of the community are always watching, and Janie is constantly being judged and evaluated by those around her. This theme is particularly relevant in the context of the African American experience, where individuals are often subject to scrutiny and judgment based on their skin color, social status, and other factors.
Q: What is the significance of Janie's three marriages?
A: Janie's three marriages are significant because they represent different stages of her journey towards self-discovery and empowerment. Her first marriage to Logan Killicks is a symbol of her desire for security and stability, while her second marriage to Joe Starks represents her desire for love and connection. Her third marriage to Tea Cake, on the other hand, represents her desire for true love and partnership.
Q: What is the significance of the character of Tea Cake?
A: Tea Cake is a significant character in the novel because he represents a new kind of love and partnership for Janie. He is a free-spirited and independent individual who is not bound by the societal norms and expectations that have held Janie back in the past. Through her relationship with Tea Cake, Janie is able to experience a sense of freedom and empowerment that she has never known before.
Q: What is the significance of the character of Janie's grandmother, Nanny?
A: Nanny is a significant character in the novel because she represents the traditional values and expectations of the African American community. She is a strong and independent woman who has been shaped by the experiences of slavery and racism. Through her relationship with Janie, Nanny is able to pass on her values and traditions to the next generation, while also encouraging Janie to forge her own path in life.
Q: What is the significance of the theme of racial identity in the novel?
A: The theme of racial identity is significant in the novel because it highlights the tension between the desire for self-discovery and the pressure to conform to societal norms. Janie's experiences as an African American woman in a patriarchal society are marked by a sense of disconnection and misunderstanding. Through her journey, Hurston highlights the importance of embracing one's own identity and culture, rather than trying to conform to the standards of others.
Q: What is the significance of the theme of love in the novel?
A: The theme of love is significant in the novel because it represents a powerful force for transformation and empowerment. Through her relationships with her husbands and other characters, Janie is able to experience a sense of love and connection that she has never known before. This love is not just romantic, but also spiritual and emotional, and it represents a deep connection to herself and to the world around her.
Q: What is the significance of the theme of self-discovery in the novel?
A: The theme of self-discovery is significant in the novel because it represents a journey of empowerment and transformation. Through her experiences, Janie is able to discover her own identity and purpose in life, and to forge her own path in the world. This journey is not easy, and it is marked by many challenges and setbacks. However, it ultimately leads to a sense of freedom and empowerment that Janie has never known before.
Q: What is the significance of the novel's ending?
A: The novel's ending is significant because it represents a sense of closure and completion for Janie's journey. After many years of struggle and hardship, Janie is finally able to find a sense of peace and contentment. This is not just a personal victory, but also a testament to the power of love and self-discovery to transform and empower individuals.