Hurstons Brilliant Use of Personification and Animal Imagery in Their Eyes Were Watching God

Introduction:

Zora Neale Hurston's novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God" is a masterful work of literature that weaves a compelling narrative around the life of Janie Crawford, an African-American woman striving to find her own voice and identity in a society constrained by oppressive norms. Throughout the novel, Hurston skillfully employs personification and animal imagery to infuse the story with rich symbolism and metaphorical depth, enhancing the readers' understanding of the characters' emotions, struggles, and desires. This essay delves into the significance of Hurston's use of personification and animal imagery in "Their Eyes Were Watching God," exploring how these literary devices serve as powerful tools for communication and characterization.

Personification: Breathing Life into the Inanimate:

Hurston's adeptness in using personification is evident from the very beginning of the novel. The opening scene, where Janie returns to Eatonville dressed in overalls, her long hair bound up, and the sun setting "squinty-eyed" behind her, personifies the sun as if it were a watchful character in the story (Hurston 3).

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By bestowing human attributes upon the sun, Hurston intensifies the scene's emotional impact and foreshadows Janie's journey of self-discovery.

In a later scene, when Janie's second husband Joe Starks dies, the author vividly depicts the town's streets "trying to find something to do" in the aftermath of the event (Hurston 92). This personification of the streets emphasizes the sense of community and establishes the setting as a dynamic and living entity, mirroring the emotions of the townspeople.

Animal Imagery: Conveying Deep Emotions and Traits:

Hurston's use of animal imagery enhances the characters' emotional depth and serves as a powerful vehicle for conveying their traits and circumstances.

One example is the recurring motif of the mule, symbolizing the oppressive conditions experienced by women in the novel. Janie's grandmother, Nanny, tells her that black women are the "mules of the world," burdened by the weight of both their gender and race (Hurston 14). This analogy underscores the intersectionality of Janie's struggles and highlights the common plight of black women during that time.

Moreover, Hurston employs animal imagery to illustrate the relationships between characters. When describing Janie's husband Joe Starks, the author likens him to a "glare-eyed hurricane" (Hurston 73). This comparison reveals Joe's overpowering and dominating nature, further reinforcing the theme of control and suppression in Janie's marriages.

The Power of Symbols: The Pear Tree and the Horizon:

Two central symbols in the novel, the pear tree, and the horizon, hold significant meaning and are intricately connected to Janie's journey of self-realization. The pear tree symbolizes Janie's desire for passion and love, as she envisions herself as "a pear tree in blossom" longing for the bees' sweet touch (Hurston 11). This image reflects her yearning for a fulfilling and loving relationship, something she discovers through her experiences with Tea Cake.

The horizon, on the other hand, represents Janie's dreams and aspirations beyond the confines of her current circumstances. Janie's ultimate goal is to reach the horizon, to live a life free from societal constraints. Throughout the novel, the horizon becomes a metaphor for personal growth, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness.

Deepening Characterization: The Transformation of Tea Cake:

Hurston's use of personification and animal imagery significantly contributes to the characterization of Tea Cake, Janie's third husband. Unlike Janie's previous relationships, Tea Cake embodies the qualities of nature and animal-like freedom. He is described as "soft-handed," and his body moves with the "easy grace of a young bull" (Hurston 105). This imagery portrays him as gentle, strong, and untamed, qualities that allure Janie and allow her to break free from societal expectations.

The author also employs animal imagery to highlight Tea Cake's vulnerability. When he is bitten by a rabid dog, his slow transformation from a vibrant man to a vulnerable creature is heartbreakingly depicted. This powerful metaphor foreshadows his eventual demise and adds depth to the novel's themes of love, sacrifice, and mortality.

Transcending Time and Culture: Folklore and Storytelling:

Hurston's utilization of personification and animal imagery is deeply intertwined with the African-American tradition of storytelling and folklore. The oral tradition of storytelling is an essential aspect of African-American culture, and Hurston's incorporation of these literary devices pays homage to this rich heritage.

Conclusion:

Zora Neale Hurston's "Their Eyes Were Watching God" is a literary masterpiece that skillfully employs personification and animal imagery to imbue the narrative with profound symbolism and emotional depth. Through these literary devices, Hurston transcends time and culture, allowing readers to connect with the characters on a deeper level while exploring universal themes of love, self-discovery, and the pursuit of freedom. The novel's enduring relevance and impact can be attributed, in part, to Hurston's brilliant use of personification and animal imagery, ensuring that "Their Eyes Were Watching God" remains a powerful and timeless work of American literature.