What is the paradox in Their Eyes Were Watching God?

Answer 1

Janie was on a quest to discover her voice through a perfect partner, and she finds her voice at the end of the book by losing her near perfect match. In most of her relationships the case seemed to be that in the abscence/death of her partner, she thrives and becomes more independent.

Answer 2

The paradox in Their Eyes Were Watching God is that throughout the novel, Hurston employs the symbol of the setting sun to describe Janie's point of view and it is when Janie is older and her sun is setting that she achieves peace. Her first two husbands, Logan Hillocks and Jody Starks, saddened her as her life was reaching a sunset. With Tea Cake, she experiences equality and is content with her life. So, although she is older and has lost the love her life, she is happy. The paradox is best seen as Hurston writes, "Here was peace. She pulled in her horizon like a great fish-net. Pulled it from around the waist of the world and draped it over her shoulder. So much of life in its meshes! She called in her soul to come and see!"

Answer 3

The imagery in Their Eyes Were Watching God is the symbol of the pear tree with the bees pollinating the tree. In the beginning, it becomes Janie's naive idea of love and marriage - that is, marriage is a perfectly harmonious celebration of life and it is always fulfilling. As her marriage falls apart, the tree is described as withered away, the blossoms gone from the tree, symbolizing Janie's awakening to the harsh reality of marriage.

Answer 4

One paradox in "Their Eyes Were Watching God" is the tension between individuality and community. Janie seeks to assert her own identity and desires, yet she also must navigate societal expectations and relationships. This tension reflects the broader theme of personal freedom versus societal constraints.

Answer 5

symbolism

metaphors

dialect