Analysis Of The Novel Their Eyes Were Watching God And Short Story “Sweat” By Zora Neale Hurston

Zora Neale Hurston, a prominent Harlem Renaissance writer, exposes early 20th century African American struggles of racism and sexism in her novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God and her short story “Sweat.” Hurston shows how both female protagonist struggles to find themselves through physical and emotional abuse in the marriages they endure. In both stories, Hurston’s main theme is transcending Delia and Janie’s character development from suffering, to self-discovery, to autonomy.

In Their Eyes Were Watching God, Janie’s three husbands help develop her sense of identity and what she truly wants from her life and from a relationship. Her first husband is arranged by Janie’s grandmother for protection and security. Logan Killicks is an old man who has enough money and land to support Janie, but expects her to work the farm. Janie wants more out of life then just security, she wants love. She finds that love in her next husband, Jody Starks who charms Janie away from Logan’s farm. At first, their marriage seems great. They have lots of ambition and big plans for their future together. However not long after moving to Eatonville, and Joe becoming Mayor, does he start to become jealous and controlling over Janie. Joe starts to see Janie as his own property, demanding obedience rather than seeing her as an individual. When addressing the townspeople, a member asked Janie to speak. Joe cuts her off stating “Mrs. Mayor Starks don’t know nothing about no speechmaking. I didn’t marry her for nothing like that.” He publically put Janie in her place, ripping her away from any notion that she was anything but his property. After 20 years of abusive marriage, Joe passes away. Before he does, Janie resentfully tells him on his death bed, “It was just my own feelings had to be squeezed and crowded out of me to make room for yours.”

Janie eventually finds love again in Tea Cake who is younger than her. He treats her as more of an equal and encourages her to try new things such as fishing and shooting. She feels young and free with him, which is totally different from her other marriages. Tragically, there love is cut short after Tea Cake gets infected by a rabid dog. He eventually loses his mind and turns on Janie. Fearing for her own life, Janie shoots Tea Cake. She returns to Eatonville a new woman through her experiences. Her journey of self-discovery was been fulfilled by her once suffering to her liberation. She moves from a young woman, unsure of what she wants, to a mature, self-actualized person. She no longer requires the support or approval of others, for she has began to realize her own potential for happiness.