Their Eyes Were Watching God Literary Analysis

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In many instances, women never have the chance to realize their self worth or to meet their full potential. Learning about bravery, confidence, and selflessness is a major factor in Zora Neale Hurston’s novel. Their Eyes Were Watching God describes the troubles of a young African American woman, Janie Crawford, who is given the chance to learn in each of her relationships. Life presents one with limitless opportunities to learn and to better oneself. Janie finds a way to learn from unfavorable circumstances.
During her first marriage to Logan Killicks, Janie is young and naive. Her Grandmother notices her growing romantic curiosity and forces Janie to marry in an effort to avoid a young pregnancy. She voices her opinions to her Grandmother:
The pair love each other unconditionally and continuously prove the depth of their connection. Through unfortunate circumstances, Tea Cake teaches Janie about sacrifice:
Tea Cake rose out of the water at the cow’s rump and seized the dog by the neck. But he was a powerful dog and Tea Cake was over-tired. So he didn’t kill the dog with one stroke as he had intended. But the dog couldn’t free himself either. They fought and somehow he managed to bite Tea Cake high up on his cheek-bone once (157)
Tea Cake contracts rabies from the dog, ultimately giving up his life due to the ailment. Janie learns not only about the importance of sacrifice to save someone she loves, but of the significance of bravery in a time of need.
Janie is later tested on what she learns from each husband when she is forced to sacrifice her love of Tea Cake for her safety and his health, something she would be unable to do without confidence, courage, and selflessness. Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God showcases the struggles faced by Janie Crawford. The novel particularly brings attention to the struggles she faces due to her three marriages. However, Janie learns essential lessons from each of her marriages. Her rough life gives her the opportunity that she needs to

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