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

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