08/12/2024
This is a story about a young girl who is only 16 years old. In her community, it is customary for girls to marry at a young age, and she found herself faced with the daunting expectation of marrying three husbands. Unfortunately, she did not have the freedom to choose her own path; the decisions regarding her marriage were dictated by the elders of her family and community. This lack of agency left her feeling trapped, as she was compelled to follow traditions that she had little say in, highlighting the intricate dynamics between personal choice and cultural expectations.
The Eyes of Watching God
My INTAKE ON THE NOVEL " THE EYES OF WATCHING GOD"
"Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston tells the story of Janie Mae Crawford, a black woman in the early 20th century, exploring themes of love, gender roles, and race. Janie's journey to find true love is both inspiring and heartbreaking "Their Eyes Were Watching God" is a novel written by Zora Neale Hurston that was published in 1937. The story follows the life of Janie Mae Crawford, a Black woman living in the early 20th century. The book explores four main themes: gender roles 👩🏾🦱👨🏼💼, love ❤️, race 🏃🏿♀️, and power 💪. The narrative is told from Janie's point of view, and it is framed as her reflection on her life.
One of the central themes of the book is love ❤️. Janie is a woman who has always longed to experience true love, but unfortunately, she has never had the opportunity to do so. Her grandmother, who raised her, emphasized the importance of marriage and finding a good husband 👰🏾. At the age of 16, Janie was forced to marry Logan Killicks, a wealthy older farmer, in an arranged marriage 💒. Her grandmother valued financial security and respectability over love, which is why she arranged the marriage.
Although Logan treated Janie well at first, he eventually started using her for help with farming work, leaving her feeling unloved and used 😔. Janie decides to leave Logan and seek a better life for herself. The novel explores the hardships and challenges that Janie faces as a Black woman in a society that is oppressive and discriminatory towards her 🚫👩🏾🦱.
One of the main themes of the book is love. 😍 Janie longs for true love, but has never had the chance to experience it. Her grandmother, who raised her, emphasized the importance of marriage and finding a good husband from a young age. At 16, Janie is forced into an arranged marriage with a wealthy, older farmer named Logan Killicks. Although Logan treats Janie well initially, he eventually starts to see her as a worker and not a partner, making her feel unloved and used. Janie decides to leave Logan and pursue a better life. 🚶♀️👋
Janie's second husband is Jody Starks, a charismatic entrepreneur who comes to Eatonville from Georgia with dreams of power and ambition. He becomes the postmaster, mayor, storekeeper, and biggest landlord in Eatonville. However, he treats Janie as an object rather than a person and doesn't allow her to be herself, causing their marriage to deteriorate. 😔💔
Janie then meets Tea Cake, her third husband, who is not wealthy but loves her deeply. Janie is impressed by Tea Cake's wit and love for life. He is twelve years younger than Janie and treats her with respect, allowing her to be her true self. Although Tea Cake has flaws, such as stealing from Janie and beating her, their relationship feels genuine and Janie is ultimately able to find true love with him. ❤️💕 .
"Feedback is the fuel that drives growth and progress. It plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of our work, thereby, making us better individuals. Let's strive for excellence by embracing feedback."
