Voice and Silence in Their Eyes Were Watching God: How Janie Finds Her Voice
One of the most powerful themes in Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God is the theme of voice and silence. Janie Crawford, the protagonist, embarks on a journey of self-expression and autonomy, which is intricately tied to finding her voice. Throughout much of the novel, Janie’s voice is suppressed by societal expectations, her husbands, and her own fears, but her path to self-discovery involves reclaiming her right to speak, to share her experiences, and to be heard.
At the start of the novel, Janie is living in a world where women, especially Black women, are often relegated to roles of subservience and silence. She is married off to Logan Killicks, who sees her more as a helper than a partner, and her voice is largely ignored. When she marries Jody Starks, her situation doesn’t improve. Jody, who is ambitious and focused on his role as the mayor of Eatonville, suppresses Janie’s voice even further. He discourages her from speaking, making her feel insignificant and invisible, as evidenced by his refusal to let her speak in public or participate in the town’s social life. This silence is a reflection of how women, particularly in patriarchal settings, are often denied agency and voice.
However, as Janie progresses through her relationships, her voice begins to emerge. Her marriage to Tea Cake represents a turning point in this journey. Tea Cake treats Janie as an equal, allowing her to speak freely and express herself in a way that was not possible in her previous marriages. Through Tea Cake, Janie finds the courage to voice her thoughts, desires, and needs, which leads to greater emotional fulfillment. Tea Cake’s respect for her autonomy enables Janie to step into her full self, marking the transformation from a woman defined by silence and obedience to one who actively takes part in shaping her own destiny.
Hurston uses the theme of voice and silence to explore the broader societal constraints on women’s self-expression, as well as the personal struggles Janie faces in overcoming these barriers. Janie’s eventual ability to speak openly about her experiences is a symbol of empowerment and liberation, suggesting that reclaiming one’s voice is a critical step in the journey toward self-empowerment and personal freedom.
3. Janie’s Relationships and the Influence of Gender Roles in Their Eyes Were Watching God
In Their Eyes Were Watching God, Zora Neale Hurston examines how gender roles influence Janie Crawford’s relationships and, in turn, her journey toward self-discovery. Janie’s experiences with her three husbands—Logan Killicks, Jody Starks, and Tea Cake—serve as a lens through which Hurston critiques traditional gender expectations and explores the complexities of love, power, and identity.
Janie's first marriage to Logan Killicks reflects the societal expectation for women to marry for security rather than love. Logan’s practical approach to marriage stifles Janie’s desire for emotional connection and fulfillment, illustrating the limited roles that women were expected to play within the institution of marriage. In this marriage, Janie is expected to submit to the gendered roles of wife and homemaker, which leaves her feeling confined and unfulfilled.
When Janie marries Jody Starks, she is introduced to a more complex dynamic of gender power. Jody is a powerful and ambitious man, but his control over Janie’s voice and actions reflects traditional gender expectations, which are particularly oppressive for women during this time. Jody’s desire for Janie to serve as a symbol of his own success leads him to silence her and suppress her individuality. The imposition of gender roles within this marriage reinforces the idea that women were often seen as property to be controlled and molded by their husbands, rather than autonomous individuals with their own identities.
In contrast, Janie’s marriage to Tea Cake offers a more egalitarian relationship, where gender roles are less rigid. Tea Cake respects Janie’s autonomy, allowing her to participate in life and love on her own terms. Through this relationship, Janie is able to explore her identity outside the confines of traditional gender expectations. Tea Cake’s respect for her voice and choices challenges the traditional gender roles that Janie had previously struggled against, ultimately empowering her to define her own sense of womanhood.
Hurston’s portrayal of Janie’s relationships highlights the limitations of rigid gender roles and underscores the importance of love, respect, and equality in relationships. Janie’s journey reflects a movement toward personal autonomy and a challenge to the societal norms that define women’s roles within marriage, offering readers a nuanced exploration of the intersection of love, gender, and power.