A thought

Zora Neale Huston’s piece, There Eyes Where Watching God is an exemplar of literary magnificence. The plot and its literary devices are so intricately intertwined that it provides a delicate taste to the palette of even the most rudimentary reader. With a voice that is bound by no barriers, Hurston takes us on an incredible journey, a wave like rollercoaster through the physical and emotional expedition of the works’ amiable protagonist.

Often wondering the use of frame narratives, one finds the unequivocal explanation buried within the depths of Janie Crawford’s life. Although her role as protagonist is one that immediately draws a reader’s attention, instead a close examination of Hurston’s writing style shows that rather than the plot it’s her own style that captures the imagination and brings forth the storyline. A casual reader might mistake this piece for a well written novel, yet its accolade doesn’t end with just a simple sentence.

Hurston buries subtle hints within her writing; the description of Janie’s journey from her own city to another is mirrored by her inner emotional disposition. Hurston’s choice of frame narrative puts into perspective and places emphasis on Janie’s transformation from a girl to a woman in a manner in which another writing style might not have exemplified. Interestingly, the hidden meanings behind Hurston’s words are ironic and debatable. As she portrays Janie’s transformation to betterment she contrasts it with her inner emotional self as a woman wanting to become a child again. Janie is always in need of the romantic high school type love which she gains but twice from amongst her three romances in the novel.

The unexpected repetition of romances coupled with the aforementioned romantic fantasy shows us as readers in what Hurston believes. She makes it clear that although we may grow old and weary and live out life as it comes through hardships and trials we are all in need of a little love and caring. When we don’t find that care we move on in life sleeplessly exploring wanting to be whole again.

But transformations do not always lead one to become a happy person. The surrounding gossip and torn friendships always come back hunting us. Janie’s life story teaches a learning lesson to pursue of happiness, disregarding the barriers around us.

Using an African Women as the protagonist brings to light the subtle message many of us readers miss on our first read. Although an emotional novel, There Eyes Where Watching God is a window that shows us the hardships of the time. From Janie’s slavery experienced grandmother to the last man, Tea Cake, she shoots the trials and tribulation, the degrees to which Africa Americas would go at that time to peruse and secure their loved ones is miraculous.

A breath taking revelation to man, an emotional appeal and the pursuit of an African woman amalgamated with exquisite prose Hurston presents to us a masterpiece with no comparison. A light read to the tongue, a raveling enigma to the mind and a beautiful romantic journey to the heart There Eyes Were Watching God is a masterpiece every student should explore, understand , learn from and take to heart.

Howard University Abdul A Mukati