Their Eyes Were Watching God: The Undying Power of Will

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The traditional human existence encounters immense and miniscule transformations in predominant viewpoints directly affecting subsequent proceedings as individuals embark upon an expedition of lucid self-expression to explore personal identity. Literary pieces produced during times of revolution to gain equality and flourishing cultural advancement as artistic innovations, primarily in the Harlem Renaissance, communicates deliberately the liberation of the individuals frequently portrayed as characters. The novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God, composed by American folklorist and author, Zora Neale Hurston, depicts the arduous plight of Janie Crawford in fulfilling her visions of living devoid of constraints while in pursuit for a compassionate, genuine mate. Zora Neale Hurston’s distinctive childhood experiences depicted in “How it feels to Be Colored Me” in addition to utilization of literary technique consisting of dialect provided an authentic foundation for character development and the central purpose of existence as self-fulfillment.

Zora Hurston’s childhood and adolescent years as an African American female residing in a heavily discriminatory society significantly affected Hurston’s perspective and dynamic of composition. In Hurston’s Self Introduction, she dictates, “I remember the very day that I became colored (“How it feels to Be Colored Me”). This personal experience directly correlates with the protagonist of Their Eyes Were Watching God, Janie Mae Crawford, when she is unable to identify herself in a photograph containing solely a single African American child. Fundamentally, Janie is the direct representation of Hurston in the literary piece exemplifying identical perceptions. Zora Hurston and J...

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...How it feels to Be Colored Me” in addition to utilization of literary technique consisting of dialect provided an authentic foundation for character development and the central purpose of existence as self-fulfillment. As a reader, I was captured by Janie’s passionate and enduring resolve to find veritable happiness for herself disregarding belittlement and failed relationships. True happiness is discovered only in times of self acceptance and ambition defining humanity as relentless to advance in a positive direction, but we as beings must choose to live not merely exist. Zora Hurston’s spirit will perpetually encompass this masterpiece as it serves to be a staple of American literature.

Works Cited

"Zora Neale Hurston Biography - Extended." Lakewood Public Library (Lakewood, Ohio). Web. 28 Feb. 2011. .

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