Literary Critic Review Article (Hannah Melton)

Literary Critic Review Article

By: Hannah Melton

            I am going to use the Biographical school of criticism to review the novel, Their Eyes were Watching God. The theme of, “speech and silence” was shown through the novel in many aspects.  The book is most often celebrated for the author’s Zora Hurston’s unique use of language, particularly her mastery of rural Southern black dialect. Throughout the novel, she utilizes an interesting narrative structure, splitting the presentation of the story between high literary narration and idiomatic discourse. Hurston’s use of language parallels Janie’s quest to find her voice. After Janie discovers her ability to define herself by her speech interactions with others, she learns that silence too can be a source of empowerment. The primary conflict was both of Janie’s sacred notions of love are desecrated when she is forced into one loveless marriage, and falls into a second. Zora Hurston had difficulties with marriage as well. Back then it was difficult for women to speak without being criticized, especially black women at the time.

Her hair, the horizon and pear tree are three symbols that dominant the book. Janie’s hair symbolized her power, unconventional identity, her strength and individuality. The horizon and pear tree represent Janie’s idealized views of nature.  In the bees’ interaction with the pear tree flowers, Janie witnesses a perfect moment in nature, full of boundless energy, passionate interaction, and blissful harmony. The horizon represents the far-off mystery of the natural world, with which she longs to connect. Just like Zora Hurston who is strong willed and able to take care of herself. She looks at nature the same way Janie does and has tenacity to get what she wants without others getting in her way.

Janie and the author Zora Neale Hurston are extremely similar in many ways. Janie defines categorization; she is black but flaunts her Caucasian like straight hair. She is a woman but defines gender stereotypes by insisting on her independence and wearing overalls. Behind her defiance are a curiosity and confidence that drive her to experience the world and become conscious of her relation to it. Zora Neale Hurston’s personality has the same aspects. She also had straight hair and she loved it. It is interesting when the author uses parts of their real life experiences and personalities and puts them into their books.