Their Eyes Were Watching God Analysis Essay
Kaila Millan-Castro
ENG260
Prof Bromley
May 20th 2014 To Each Her Own As a woman, at times it can feel as if society has deemed conflicting roles upon us that we are expected to fulfill all at once. Historically, most cultures have honored the “home keeper” role in which we are expected to take care of our husbands and families. However, as time passes and ultimately, norms and customs evolve, women are more inclined to seek careers that establish an individual sense of purpose. While there are tons of women who successfully handle both the role of nurturer while fulfilling their own, separate goals, how does a woman distinguish how to meet the needs of one role while not feeling as if they are neglecting the other? In Zora Neale Hurston 's novel, “Their Eyes Were Watching God”, the main character, Janie Crawford, tells the story of her life through her three marriages, yet still, leading to the discovery of her own true self. Thought to be a “mirror” of Hurston 's own life, the ending of the novel is in contradiction to her reality, in which she chooses her career over the man she loves. In the novel, Janie struggles with her identity from the very opening pages. Brought up in West Florida by her grandmother after the ending of slavery, she was part of a much larger …show more content…
Am I limiting my own self worth by choosing a life devoted to loving someone else, or am I opting out of one of lives major facets by lending myself to my career? I think that Hurston 's novel is an attempt to let women know that fulfillment lies in both realms. The title “Their Eyes Were Watching God” is indicative of Hurston 's message that at the completion of life, we are succumbed to circumstances that we are cannot control anyway- so live it the way you feel is
ENG260
Prof Bromley
May 20th 2014 To Each Her Own As a woman, at times it can feel as if society has deemed conflicting roles upon us that we are expected to fulfill all at once. Historically, most cultures have honored the “home keeper” role in which we are expected to take care of our husbands and families. However, as time passes and ultimately, norms and customs evolve, women are more inclined to seek careers that establish an individual sense of purpose. While there are tons of women who successfully handle both the role of nurturer while fulfilling their own, separate goals, how does a woman distinguish how to meet the needs of one role while not feeling as if they are neglecting the other? In Zora Neale Hurston 's novel, “Their Eyes Were Watching God”, the main character, Janie Crawford, tells the story of her life through her three marriages, yet still, leading to the discovery of her own true self. Thought to be a “mirror” of Hurston 's own life, the ending of the novel is in contradiction to her reality, in which she chooses her career over the man she loves. In the novel, Janie struggles with her identity from the very opening pages. Brought up in West Florida by her grandmother after the ending of slavery, she was part of a much larger …show more content…
Am I limiting my own self worth by choosing a life devoted to loving someone else, or am I opting out of one of lives major facets by lending myself to my career? I think that Hurston 's novel is an attempt to let women know that fulfillment lies in both realms. The title “Their Eyes Were Watching God” is indicative of Hurston 's message that at the completion of life, we are succumbed to circumstances that we are cannot control anyway- so live it the way you feel is