Zora Neale Hurston Imagery

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Relationships force individuals to sacrifice some of their aspirations and ideals which leads to emotional wounds. Zora Neale Hurston uses an extended metaphor with symbolic images to expose the internal conflicts that arise from complications within relationships. Hurston constantly refers back to a vision of a blossoming tree to develop a symbol of Janie’s life, focusing on love. The author says: “The vision of Logan Killicks was desecrating the pear tree, . . .” (Hurston 83). This image is used to illustrate the power of a new relationship in Janie’s life. Her soon to be husband, Logan, will damage her tree. By including this metaphor, the author simplifies the abstract concept of love to an image that is seen in day to day life. As the reader follows Janie, he or she is able to understand her feelings through the symbol of the tree. …show more content…

Hurston writes: “She had no more blossomy openings dusting pollen over her man, neither any glistening young fruit where the petals used to be” (194). This is significant because the gloomy image reflects how Janie is beginning to retreat into herself due to Jody’s outrageous behavior. Her love being represented as shriveled up buds and bare branches is symbolic to the fact that she is being forced to disregard her freedom due to her husband. She relinquishes her ability to attend community gatherings, talk with men outside the shop, or wear her hair down. All of these details are included in the symbol of the dying tree and create a clear visual of Janie’s mind for readers. This is is especially important since the story is written in the third person which does not give readers the opportunity to follow Janie’s thought process. The symbol of the tree gives the readers the insight necessary to understand Janie’s mind and emotions as she attempts to cope with unhealthy

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