There Eyes Were Watching God

By Zora Neale Hurston

In the early 1900's the black (particularly women) were still very much being shunned by the whites, at this time in American history there was much unrest amongst the black community. During this period, groups like the NAACP (national association for the advancement of colored people)

And The American Civil Liberties Union was still in their infant stages. But these groups had no bearing on the unjust racist feelings toward blacks in the south at the turn of the century.

The story of Janie Crawford, and her stride through southern life, with an almost anointed reality, dictates the history of southern concepts and morals through her impressionable perception of the almost pointless world.

At times very rich and racy "their eyes were watching god" tells a story of Janie's fall to love. Tea Cake the books secondary character serves as a savior for the young woman's wishes and dreams. Driven to her other husbands by force, Janie's distrust for her relationship with Tea Cake drives the plot to a generalized Romeo and Juliet plot set to the background of a k.k.k bound southern society.

Tea Cakes sickness toward the end of the novel creates tension between the tow and shows faults in yet another of Janie's relationships. "He was accusing her of carelessness not malice" (pg 167) But this dent has no great affect for the mutual respect seen in the novel. The sensible portion of this book deals primarily with overcoming diversity.

Through all her relationships Janie only learns one thing.

A great since of self worth and opportunity in a world of diverse hatred.