Their eyes are watching God

Group three.

1.Ruth Chumba BED-05-0065/2020

2.Ndanu Maureen Kaunda- BED-05-0059/2020

3. Margaret Wanyonyi -BED-05-0093/2020

4. Joshua Marigi BED-05-0200/2020

5.Deborah Mwongeli-BED-05-0044/2020

6.Bed-05-0185/2020 -felix langat

7.Billah Atieno-Bed-05-0174/202

8.NJERU DENIS. Bed-05-0342/2020

9. Mukire Peter

Bed-05-0149/2020

10. Florence Mugenge bed-05-0111/2020

11. Johnstone Mecha bed-05-0274/2020.

PLOT SUMMARY

"Zora Neale Hurston's book "Their Eyes Were Watching God" was originally released

in 1937. The novel is a coming-of-age tale that follows Janie Crawford, the heroine,
as she negotiates her path to independence and self-discovery while bucking gender

standards and societal expectations.

Part 1: Janie's Childhood and Marriage to Logan Killicks

After her mother abandons her while she's very young, Janie is raised by her

grandmother, Nanny. Nanny sets up Janie's marriage to Logan Killicks, a

considerably older farmer, because of her experiences with slavery and her wish for

Janie to live in financial security. Despite Nanny's best efforts, Janie is unable to

escape her unhappy and controlling marriage. She yearns for a satisfying partnership

filled with passion and love.

Part 2: Marriage to Joe Starks

Joe Starks, a gregarious and aspirational traveler, is introduced to Janie. After falling

in love, Joe brings Janie to Eatonville, Florida, where he wants to create a successful

neighborhood. Joe gives Janie more financial stability, but their marriage devolves

into a power struggle. Joe is overbearing and demands that Janie act in a way that

conforms to his ideal of a successful wife. Janie's individuality and dreams are stifled

by this. She longs for love and companionship since she feels alone.

Part 3: Marriage to Tea Cake

Janie meets Tea Cake, a younger man after Joe passes away. He is pleasant and treats

her with love and respect, unlike her past marriages. They experience a passionate
love affair, and Janie gains a fresh feeling of freedom and self-awareness. Janie and

Tea Cake wed and relocate to Florida's Everglades despite the town's disdain and

rumors.

Janie finds real love and happiness in the Everglades with Tea Cake. Tea Cake

encourages Janie to pursue her aspirations and interests while they work together in

the fields. However, as a strong cyclone hits, their bliss is threatened. Tea Cake gets

attacked by a rabid dog while trying to save Janie during the storm. Tea Cake perishes

despite Janie's efforts to save him.

Janie's Self-Discovery and Independence

Janie is placed on trial for Tea Cake's murder after his passing, but she is exonerated.

She goes back to Eatonville, where she no longer worries about what people will

think of her. She tells her buddy Pheoby about her life, and Pheoby becomes a

participant in Janie's process of self-discovery. Janie is aware of the value of

developing her voice and living independently.

Finally, "Their Eyes Were Watching God" is a stirring account of a woman's search

for freedom, love, and identity. The journey of Janie illuminates the complexity of

race, gender, and cultural expectations while highlighting the human spirit's tenacity

in the face of difficulty.

Themes:
 · Identity and Self-discovery: Janie's quest for identity is a central theme of the

novel. She embarks on a journey to find her voice and authentic self, breaking

free from the expectations imposed on her by others.

· Love and Relationships: The novel explores different aspects of love and

relationships. Janie's three marriages represent different kinds of love and

reveal her growth and understanding of true love.

· Race and Gender: The book delves into the intersection of race and gender in

the early 20th century, highlighting the challenges faced by African-American

women in a society dominated by white patriarchal norms.

· Voice and Language: Hurston's use of dialect and storytelling style is

significant, as it captures the authentic voices and cultural nuances of the

characters and their community.

Character Development:

The protagonist in the book experiences a lot of growth, says Janie Crawford. She

first exhibits submission and complies with social norms. But as the narrative goes on,

she grows more self-assured and independent and eventually accepts who she is.

Tea Cake: Tea Cake, Janie's third spouse, is essential to her metamorphosis. He

accords with Janie's equal treatment and encourages her to follow her inclinations.

Joe Starks, Janie's second husband, is a metaphor for aspiration and a need for control.

He makes an effort to exert control over Janie and shape her into the stereotypical

wife.
Narrative Style:

Hurston employs African-American vernacular and metaphorical language to convey

the spirit of the people and their culture. This unique storytelling approach contributes

to the development of a vivid and accurate depiction of the African-American

experience in the early 20th century.

Symbolism:

The Horizon: Janie's hopes and goals are represented by the horizon. Her perspective

on the future develops as she gets more agency and control over her own life

throughout the book.

The Pear Tree: The pear tree frequently represents Janie's search for love and her

aspirations to come true. It stands for her desire for passionate but devoted love.

Social Commentary:

The book explores the struggles early 20th-century African-American women

experienced, stressing themes including racial prejudice, gender inequity, and cultural

demands. It also sheds light on the nuanced aspects of African American culture and

interpersonal dynamics.