Their Eyes Were Watching God Rhetorical Analysis

Aspects of Sympathy and Human Emotion

Two noteworthy scenes written in, Their Eyes Were Watching God, by Zora Neale Hurston, are the passing of Joe Starks (Jody), and Vergible Woods (Tea Cake). What makes these scenes unique is the emotions and circumstances involved in their deaths, which in turn, lets the reader to reflect on the topic of compassion and forgiveness. This allows for deeper insight concerning the qualities and nature of what it is to be human.
When discussing the death of Joe Starks, or Jody, perhaps the most notable aspect is the conversation that quickly derails into an argument between the moribund man and his spouse. Jody accuses Janie of being unappreciative, and Janie, in return, berates him for his excessive ego and high handedness, “And you now got tuh die tuh find out dat you got tuh pacify somebody besides yo’self if you wants any love and any sympathy in dis world. You ain’t tried tuh pacify nobody but yo’self. Too busy listening tuh yo’ own big voice” (86-87). Disregarding any notions of sympathy and forgiveness, Janie candidly and ruthlessly expresses her thoughts

and feelings directly to Jody, causing him to break down into a rather lamentable state of mentality. His final moments are abrupt, his unsaid words ones of what is presumed to be animosity. Following his death, it appears that Janie is fairly unaffected in any sort of negative manner, moving on rather quickly. She goes on to remove her head rag, and then assumes a facade of ungenuine grief for appearance’s sake, “Then she starched and ironed her face, forming it into just what people wanted to see…” (87). This reveals Janie to be apathetic and uncompassionate for Jody, their unhappy marriage rendering her unable to forgive.
In the case of Vergible Woods, or Tea Cake, it the situation was played out in a similar yet opposite manner, with Tea Cake as well afflicted with severe illness. And although he and Janie had a much more contented relationship, Tea Cake regardless becomes increasingly irrational, resulting in an inevitable fight. This time, however, Janie actively tries to give Tea Cake opportunity to stop and redeem himself, “Tea Cake, Tea Cake, honey! Go lay down! Ah’ll be glad tuh be heah wid yuh de minute de doctor say so” (183). Even when pointed at with the end of a gun Janie still thinks the best of Tea Cake, willing to forgive him. Yet, faced with no choice, Janie shoots Tea Cake, immediately grieving right after she had done so, “Janie held his head tightly to her breast and wept and thanked him wordlessy for giving her the chance for loving service” (184). Janie forgives Tea Cake, putting aside the the fact he nearly killed her, finding the resolve to still love and remain compassionate.
When examining the two fights and aftermath, a deduction can be drawn of what the author had intended to illustrate, connecting the novel and reality.

The novel incorporates intimate emotions of Janie, “She had to hug him tight for soon he would be gone, and she had to tell him for the last time” (187), and encompasses feelings that are very human. It can be observed that different circumstances, with different people, with different emotions, affect perspectives and outlook, ultimately affects what one does. Forgiving and being compassionate is something that takes character, willingness, understanding and disposition, “Sop and his friends had tried to hurt her but she knew it was because they loved Tea Cake and didn’t understand” (189). Letting go and showing care is something that is not easily imparted, but is instead something given with immense caution and

effort.
Zora Neale Hurston provides awareness on the intricacies of emotion through meaningful and passionate scenes of Janie’s life. Knowing that is is simple to resent and begrudge, yet arduous and challenging to forgive reveals a remarkable detail in human nature. A detail that imprints itself onto the reader, bestowing unique viewpoint regarding the essence of forgiveness and compassion.