"Their Eyes Were Watching God" is a classic novel by Zora Neale Hurston that was published in 1937. It tells the story of Janie Mae Crawford, a young African American woman living in Florida in the early 20th century. Through Janie's journey, Hurston explores themes of identity, independence, and love.
At the beginning of the novel, Janie is a young woman living in the small town of Eatonville, Florida. She has been married off to an older man, Logan Killicks, by her grandmother in the hope of providing Janie with a sense of security and stability. However, Janie is unhappy in her marriage and longs for something more. She meets a handsome drifter named Joe Starks and falls in love with him, believing that he will be able to give her the love and freedom she craves.
Janie and Joe move to the all-black town of Eatonville and Joe becomes the mayor. Janie is initially excited by the change in her circumstances, but she quickly realizes that her husband is controlling and possessive. He wants Janie to be a traditional wife and constantly tries to suppress her individual identity. Janie rebels against this and begins to assert her own independence, which leads to conflicts with Joe.
Eventually, Janie leaves Joe and meets a man named Tea Cake, who treats her with respect and encourages her to be her own person. Janie falls in love with Tea Cake and they have a happy and fulfilling relationship. However, their happiness is short-lived as Tea Cake contracts rabies and dies. Janie is left to mourn the loss of the man she loved and to contemplate the lessons she has learned about love and independence.
"Their Eyes Were Watching God" is a powerful and poignant novel that speaks to the human desire for love and freedom. Through Janie's journey, Hurston explores the ways in which society can try to control and limit individuals, particularly women, and the importance of finding and asserting one's own identity. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the struggles and triumphs of the human spirit.
